Before his crucifixion and resurrection, Christ Jesus had told his disciples that he was going to leave them, but they couldn’t grasp what he meant. When he said they would follow him and that he would prepare a place for them, they were confused because they were picturing a physical place. But he was speaking about a different state of consciousness.
For Jesus, consciousness was actual life. He was advancing mentally to live fully in Spirit, an existence the physical senses can’t see but that was more real to Jesus than life in any town or country. He knew he’d given his students the directions they needed to attain that consciousness—what he called the kingdom of God. But when they began to realize that they weren’t going to be with him in person, they were sad. Their teacher had been there every day to explain spiritual ideas and show how God’s power healed disease and overcame all sorts of obstacles. Jesus promised he’d always be with them, but how would that work if they couldn’t ask him questions, or get his help when they were in trouble?
Most of us can probably relate to the wish that someone wiser than we are would always be with us, a sort of Master and Teacher, as people called Jesus. Looking up those terms together brought the description that a master teacher doesn’t just share content with students, but helps them develop the critical thinking skills to grow and thrive. These teachers put students first and adapt to their learners’ needs.
