"Father Knows Best" and "Father Teach"

In the well known movie "Karate Kid" there is a famous line where Miyagi the humble man who is teaching a bullied teenager how to defend himself is asked several times about where he learned Karate and other lessons about life and the master says to the teenager "father teach."

There are many instances in life where a bible reading Christian may likewise say, in reference to his heavenly Father, "Father teach." So the prophet writes: "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children." (Isa. 54: 13 nkjv) Jesus cites this passage with these words:

"It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (John 6: 45 nkjv)

The Father teaches directly, though it is through the words of scripture. But, he also teaches through his incarnate Son. 

"But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus." (Eph. 4: 20-21 nkjv)

Jesus invites all through the gospel to come and become his disciple, his student. He said:

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11: 29 nkjv)

When Jesus is referred to as "master," the idea of being a teacher is involved.

It is the highest of blessing and privilege to be instructed by the Father and Son. But, the third person of the Holy Trinity is not excluded from this work of teaching the disciples or children of God.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14: 26 nkjv)

We cannot literally sit at the feet of Jesus as disciples of olden times sat at the feet of their teachers. So Paul writes about how he himself had been "educated at the feet of Gamaliel" (Acts 22: 3). Christians are they who have sat at the feet of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and have been taught by him. Through God's teaching, through his written word, through his reminding us through the Spirit, we can say as David in that Psalm that celebrates the word of God (the textbook of God's students): "I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation." (Psa. 119: 99 nkjv) Your earthly teachers are no comparison to having Father, Son, and Spirit being your master and teacher. 

There was a popular mini series in the 1950s (ending in 1960) that I watched as a kid and it was titled "Father Knows Best" starring Robert Young as the father. Let me say that it is another good title for a sermon, in the same line as "Father Teach." Yes, our heavenly Father knows what is best for us. He always gives the best advice. It is by listening to his instruction, his proverbs, that we become wise.