TEACHER PROBLEMS    by Carl McMurray 

It is a fact that preachers, teachers, elders, and concerned Christians in general can get caught up in the mistakes and misunderstandings of others. It is not unusual for a group of this nature to get together and speak of nothing else but “church problems.” The wise teacher, however, will remember that “leaders” have their own peculiar set of problems and temptations. None of us are immune to sin, and Matthew 23 is a concise list of a few major pitfalls for spiritual leaders. Notice that Jesus begins His identification of these leaders in verse three by admitting their ability to teach right. Do what they tell you, He says, just don’t do what they do. Why?

Because their motivation is shallow. Verses 5-12 tell us that the main motivating influence for most of the Pharisees was their desire to be thought well of by men. They wanted men’s praise and men’s respect, and this is what drove them to be what they were. Some might try to justify this by saying, “The truth still was taught, was it not? Any motivation for that is good motivation.” But, verse 12 indicates that one who seeks to exalt himself is just courting disaster. Teachers need to check their attitudes once in a while to find out why they’re teaching.

Verse 13 identifies a “teacher problem” when teachers become door closers instead of door openers. When we actually get in the way of another’s learning, growing, maturing, and exercising their gifts we need to learn to sit down and get out of the way. It may be out of fear that they will exceed us or it may be out of ignorance. Whatever the reason, when teachers become stumbling blocks it is a sad day for the kingdom. It happened in Israel, and it happens in the church.

The problem identified in verse 14 is that of praying preyers. They are teachers who use their religious cover to disguise their real intent. They take advantage of others. Teachers need to keep a rein on their attitudes so as not to make merchandise of the gospel or end up preying on those in a vulnerable situation looking for guidance.

Verses 16-21 speak to the problem of teachers becoming loophole lawyers. They are specialists in word definitions and reading between the lines. These “experts” would have you believe they know the intent of the biblical author over and above what he has written. When they finish dissecting a text it often ends up saying exactly opposite of what is written. Teachers should probably concern themselves more with being servants than lawyers.

Verses 23-24 address the common problem of majoring in minors. Camel swallowing and gnat straining is almost becoming an Olympic event in the lives of some teachers. The problem is compounded when the things that are ignored are, in the words of Jesus, “the weightier provisions,” i.e., the more important things. An entire Wednesday evening Bible study spent discussing what kind of oil the ten virgins used or a home study with an unbeliever on how to be saved set aside to discuss the Christmas tree in his living room all evening are examples of majoring in minors. These are teacher problems, then and now.

From verse 25 and onward Jesus addresses the real problem. These were doctors with internal ills. They were doctors of the law whose hearts were corrupt. They were beautiful on the outside, but full of rottenness.

Being a teacher is not a guarantee of soundness. Having the truth is not the same as being truthful, especially within ourselves. May every teacher and every hopeful teacher among us be humble enough to recognize that teachers have their own problems and temptations. Don’t get caught up in correcting others and forget to correct self. The responsibility and blessing of the teacher, in helping others, is too important to let this fact be overlooked. God bless your efforts.