Learning from the Master Teacher

"Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher who ever taught," said President Spencer W. Kimball. There are many reasons for this. First, He loved those whom He taught, even the people who were opposing him and treating him cruelly. Second, He taught in a way that was simple and yet profound. A child could be taught the doctrines by Christ and understand perfectly and an educated adult could learn deep doctrines by pondering His words. He used objects and symbols that were familiar and He taught using parables. His wise use of parables helped people understand according to their level of understanding.

As I thought about parables while reading the New Testament, I realized that the more we are in tune with the Spirit, the more we can learn. There is a reason we are commanded and counseled to feast on the words of Christ. They will tell us all things that we should do. In 2 Nephi 32:3-5 it says,"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what you should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do."

This scripture makes it clear that we need to do more than listen or read. We have to sincerely want to know the doctrines of the kingdom and have a desire to live the commandments. In General Conference in October 2016 one of our leaders counseled us to not just read our scriptures so we can cross it off our to-do list, but read them so we can receive inspiration and strength from them. Elder Craig C. Christensen counseled us to read the Book of Mormon like we were Joseph Smith. Can you imagine what the teachings of the Book of Mormon would sound like if we had never heard them before? We would be filled with so much excitement and joy to know the truths of the gospel restored.  

As we read the scriptures, we can receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost. What we learn may not come from the words on the pages that we read, but from the still, small voice speaking to our heart. That is similar to how people in New Testament times learned from Christ's parables. One person, depending on their experience and understanding, could learn something different from another person.