Matthew 22:15-17 English Standard Version

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

As a disciple of Jesus Christ what does He have to teach us now?

In searching out an answer it is amazing how His critics address Jesus during His earthly ministry. In verse 16 they say “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” If they know He is true and teaches the way of God truthfully and is not influenced by the opinion of others, why ask anything of Him? Why not just believe Him?

Considering that Jesus Christ has ascended to the throne and is the Lord of all, what does he have to teach us from that position? In all honesty He has delegated that role to the Holy Spirit whom He left with us to fulfill all things, including instruction.

Here we can discover one aspect of relational development. When we are known to the world for being disciples of Jesus Christ, we will be treated as He was treated.

Romans 16:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Smooth talkers walk among us and we must listen carefully to discover if they are in fact disciples of Christ or serving their own agendas. Not everyone who opposes us as followers of Christ will confront us by challenging our understanding.

It is permissible to question ourselves about our understanding as long as we are willing to allow His Word to explain the truth. We can believe Him without having every question answered.

John 6:35 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Believe and be satisfied.

Hebrews 10:30-33 English Standard Version 

30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.

Having a relationship with God does not mean the end to suffering or struggles. It is faith that helps us endure.

We are not all called to suffer the same fates. God’s mercy will allow some of us to live lives free of torment. Others will need their faith to do battle against strongholds in high places. We will never be called to do anything in which God leaves us alone to fail.

We all have heard of those who have failed. Who is to say they were following God by faith?

We are to judge rightly whether we are hearing God correctly and responding in faith. We do not get to demand that of others, nor be subject to those who would deceive us.

2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[having been tested] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

All we can do is try our best. Expect to be tested. No one can study without expecting to pass the exam at the end. This life of faith is not that much different. Every talent requires training and testing. Every gift must be practiced to be perfected.

What is our calling? What is our gift? What is our talent?

Only faith in Christ can answer those questions, otherwise we will be acting out as an unruly child.

A root of disciple is discipline. Teacher is just one of Jesus’ titles.