Delivery Test

He opened his mouth and began to teach them, saying, Matthew 5:2 NASB

To teach – “The test of a true sermon is that it can be converted into prayer.”[1]

Are you a preacher? Do you lead a Bible study? Do you teach your children or grandchildren the texts of Scripture? Are you an elder or deacon? Do you have a Shabbat group? A Torah study group?

Perhaps you might answer, “No, I am not a leader. I’m just a participant.” Wrong! Biblical leadership is not based on the charismatic, success, take-charge platform of the culture. It is based on sphere of influence—and we all have influence. We all open our mouths to talk about YHVH and His son. We all live under the microscope. Therefore, we teach.

The Greek word here is from the verb didasko. This Greek verb is about imparting theoretical and practical information for the development of a pupil. But this is not what the Hebraic idea of teaching involves. The Hebrew word lamad is about change. To teach is to bring about a change in life, a difference in behavior, a new perspective that results in observable adjustment. The goal is not the collection of information. The goal is making a difference in how I live.

Heschel points out that making a difference means real teaching changes the way we pray. Since a man who does not pray is on the road to becoming something other than human, prayer is the life-source of human existence. Teaching that does not affect our conversation with the Creator is simply information. It is not Hebraic instruction. Yeshua did not open his mouth to inform. He opened his mouth to provide life to the dying.

“He who has never prayed is not fully human.”[2]

Topical Index: prayer, sermon, teach, didasko, lamad, Matthew 5:2

[1] Abraham Heschel, Man’s Quest for God, p. 80.

[2] Ibid., p. 78.