Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus”
Bible Verse of the Day:
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[g]), John 1:35-42.
Biblical Connection:
Back when I was in high school, Music Theory was known as a blowoff class. Checking with your guidance counselor before the previous year ended, Music Theory was a popular option for students who wanted an easy A without doing much at all in class. Subsequently, when Mr. Holland greets and begins teaching his first class of the year, students are caught off guard by Mr. Holland’s intensity and passion for music.
As John the Baptist begins to wrap up his earthly ministry on repentance, John introduces his disciples to Jesus. Like the students sitting in Mr. Holland’s Music Theory class, some of John’s disciples were likely surprised, expecting to remain with John the Baptist. For any teacher, part of passing on knowledge involves getting to know your students. On the first day of class, unless there is an instant connection, teaching is much harder than it looks.
Closing Song:
Twelve first century Jews were called by Jesus because they were eagerly waiting for the promised Messiah of the Old Testament to arrive. This anticipation is missing from most classrooms in America. When students develop a hunger and thirst for learning, they become like sponges. Yet, for now, teaching remains more harder than it appears.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 