chapter – vi summary of the study, major...

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS

230

CHAPTER – VI

SUMMARY OF THE STUDY, MAJOR FINDINGS,

CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter furnishes informative data on what the investigator has done,

major findings of the study, conclusions drawn, educational implications and

suggestions for further research. It also presents the study in retrospect which

involves the restatement of the problem, objectives of the study, hypothesis of the

study, methodology adopted, major findings, tenability of hypothesis and the

conclusions of the study.

6.2 STUDY IN RETROSPECT

The progress and prosperity of the human culture and civilisation are due to

education. They are the driving forces for the enlightenment of the world. Education

has made man good and great. Education is a real boon and blessing to humanity.

The height of excellence should be achieved through the educative process. It

should teach man to become full-fledged individual. The concept of good and

qualitative life depends on education. It is the only powerful tool for the inculcation

of social, moral and spiritual values.

In the process of education, the position of the teacher is admirable. The

teacher should exert systematic and deliberate influence upon the child through

instruction and discipline for the harmonious development of all the faculties for

holistic development. The influence of the teacher is mainly in two ways- firstly,

through imparting knowledge and skills in a formal setup, and secondly through

impressing the child with his own personality. The teacher becomes a counsellor, a

true friend and philosopher for the pupil in the course of his education. The teacher

is one who removes the darkness of ignorance from the child. Thus the role of

teacher is of supreme importance for the child because teachers are considered as

embodiments of knowledge and wisdom. In the history of the world, several


231

teachers through their dedication and sincere love have lead mankind towards

perfection. The teacher, who liberates the child from the bondage of the world and

leads to bliss, is an ideal teacher.

The world has given birth to great patriots, philosophers, and ideal teachers.

Dynamic personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami

Vivekananda, Rousseau, Socrates, Plato, and Jesus Christ as ideal teachers are

shining and outstanding.

In the present study, the investigator intended to elucidate the qualities of an

ideal teacher with special reference to Jesus Christ.

6.3 RESTATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The topic selected for the present study is entitled as:

“THE QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL TEACHER WITH SPECIAL

REFERENCE TO JESUS CHRIST.”

6.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the present study were the following:

1. To examine the essence of the four gospels of teaching in the Holy Bible

2. To examine the implicit meaning of the major ‘titles’ addressed to Jesus

through the gospels

3. To analyse the philosophies implied in the teachings of Jesus Christ

4. To explore the values underlying in the teachings of Jesus Christ

5. To analyse the aims of education implied in the teachings of Jesus Christ

6. To elucidate the principles implied in the teachings of Jesus Christ

7. To analyse the characteristics of the disciples of Jesus Christ

8. To analyse the significance of prayer in the teachings of Jesus Christ

9. To analyse the role of Jesus Christ as a liberator


232

10. To elucidate the qualities of Jesus Christ as a teacher counsellor

11. To elucidate the teachings of Jesus Christ through the ‘Sermon on the Mount’

12. To exemplify the teaching style of Jesus through a model lesson

13. To elucidate the personality of Jesus Christ as a teacher

14. To elucidate the qualities of Jesus Christ as an ideal teacher

15. To examine the results of the teaching mission of Jesus Christ

6.5 HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ exemplifies the qualities of an ideal

teacher.

6.6 METHODOLOGY IN BRIEF

The success of educational research depends on methods adopted for the

study. Since the research is historical and interpretative in nature, the researcher

adopted a combination of historical method (procedure) and documentary analysis

for the study.

The major method and techniques used for the collection of data were as

follows:

Documentary analysis (Content analysis)

Interview

As the main primary sources of the study, the researcher analysed the four

gospels of the Holy Bible comprising of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Holy

Bible of ‘New International Version’ is taken as the authentic source because of its

close association with the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts. Among the

numerous volumes of secondary sources pertaining to the ‘Life and Teachings of

Jesus Christ’ by eminent writers, the investigator examined the most relevant

literature pertinent for the study. The researcher interviewed fifteen eminent

personalities who are proficient in the subject. The researcher collected the entire


233

data for the study from the primary and secondary sources and also through the

interview of the experts.

6.7 MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

The findings based on the objectives and analyses of the data are presented

below.

6.7.1 OBJECTIVE I: ESSENCE OF FOUR GOSPELS

The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John served as the written

records on the ‘Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ’. These gospels are taken as the

primary sources of the study. The researcher analysed the contents of the four

gospels to find out qualities of Jesus Christ as an ideal teacher. The main aim of

gospel writers is to give an account on the work and teachings of Jesus Christ rather

than to provide a brief description of the various episodes in His life in a

chronological order. The teaching is the major element and the incidents are

important only as illustrating the teachings. The gospels are the solid bedrock of

facts that are imperishable. From the gospels, the investigator found that the great

commission of Jesus in this world was to ‘teach’. To conclude, the gospel of

Matthew gives a vivid picture of the ‘royalty’ of Jesus, while that of Mark focuses

on the ‘works’ of Jesus. The gospel of Luke on the other hand stresses on the

‘Love’ of Jesus for sinners, and John’s gospel reveals about Jesus ‘Himself’.

6.7.2 OBJECTIVE II: MEANING OF MAJOR TITLES ATTRIBUTED TO

JESUS

From the gospels, the investigator examined various ‘titles’ conferred on

Jesus Christ. Among the various titles such as ‘Son of Man’, ‘Son of God’,

‘Prophet’, ‘Messiah’, ‘Teacher, Master and Rabbi’, the investigator focused only on

the major and popular titles such as, the ‘Teacher and Master’.

From the gospels, it is evident that ‘Teacher’ was the most common title

Jesus ever had. Those who lived with Him, listened to Him and experienced His

love, care and compassion testify His position as a teacher. Jesus as a teacher had


234

disciples and followers who accompanied Him throughout the ministry. His days in

Palestine as a teacher are known as ‘His ministry’, which means service. Thus

teaching occupied the pivotal position in His ministry.

6.7.3 OBJECTIVE III: PHILOSOPHIES IMPLIED IN THE TEACHINGS

OF JESUS CHRIST

Philosophy is the original discipline of thought. It is really a quest for truth

to understand human existence. The relationship between man and society, nature

and humanity are all well understood through philosophy. The philosophy of Jesus

Christ is an embodiment of all truths and values. His teachings had a philosophical

outlook. Whatever philosophy He preached was put into practice.

As an idealist philosopher, Jesus concentrated on the ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’ of

man. The central theme of His teaching, the good news on the ‘Kingdom of God’ or

‘Heaven’ refers to idealistic philosophy. His teachings on love, eternal life are all

parts of idealistic philosophy. To achieve the ultimate goal of self-realisation, Jesus

taught people to be perfect like God. As an idealist teacher and philosopher, He

taught great spiritual truths for man to inherit eternal life.

As a naturalist teacher, Jesus formulated all His teachings on natural

grounds. ‘Observation’ was the main technique that He used in His teachings. The

venue of teaching was informal natural settings. An example of this is ‘Sermon on

the Mount’ teachings. All the parables were taught in natural settings. Anything and

everything in nature became the object and venue of His teaching.

To conclude, Jesus is an ‘observer’ and ‘setter of stage’ in teaching.

In pragmatic philosophy, importance is given to practical experience. This

practical philosophy gives emphasis on the solution of immediate problems. Jesus,

as a pragmatic teacher, taught on the practical aspect of life. Jesus believed in action

or activity for the development of the individual. For the immediate solution of life

problems, practical tips are taught. As a pragmatic teacher, the teaching through

parables of the prodigal son, the lost sheep, the unjust judge, the good samaritan are


235

all centered on the world of experience which an individual encounters in lifetime.

The practical teachings on sin, faith, duty are all very much related to daily life.

To conclude, as a pragmatic philosopher and teacher, He stressed on the

practical aspects of daily life. He never imposed any teaching to the learners, but He

placed the learner in the position of an experimenter in the pursuit of knowledge

and truth. The preaching, teaching and healing ministry of Jesus are all centered on

the practical life of common man.

Realism is a philosophy of objective reality. According to this philosophy,

material world is the real world. As a realistic teacher, Jesus taught on the hard

realities of life. All the parables are taught in realistic approach. The teachings on

‘Sabbath’ are done to teach about real life. He himself proved the realistic principle

that ‘realities in this world cannot be forsaken’.

The chief aim of humanism is ‘man making’. Man occupies the central

position in this philosophy. According to this philosophy, human nature is endowed

with distinctive capacities and potentialities.

The world has seen the greatest ‘humane’ philosophy through Jesus. The

earthly ministry of Jesus which covered the dimension of preaching, teaching and

healing are embedded in humanistic philosophy. As a humanist, His education and

teaching was particularly on ‘man making’. The main concern of the ministry is for

the welfare or well being of man.

He is the greatest peacemaker whom the world has ever seen. His

philosophy is a ‘peace’ philosophy. All the teachings are centred on man, his

thoughts, his desires, and the perfection to the utmost level.

The life and teachings of Jesus are a composite blend of all the philosophies.

As an idealist, He emphasised on the spiritual value of man. As a naturalist, He used

nature and environment as a powerful tool for teaching. As a pragmatist, He gave

importance to the practical life of man. As a realist, He taught and equipped people

to face the hard realities of life and as a humanist; He concentrated on the


236

integrated, holistic development of man. Thus the philosophy of Jesus is an eclectic

one which teaches the philosophical framework for understanding the problems of

earthly life and the vision for eternal life.

6.7.4 OBJECTIVE IV: VALUES IN THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST

Values are essential attributes for a holistic life. The real goal of education is

character building. When values are put into practice, they bloom as virtues.

In the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we see Jesus as a man

of personal values and qualities in ministry.

The characteristics of His personal values are as follows:

He lived a holy and righteous life.

He is of warm, friendly and patient nature.

He cared about people.

He served others.

He prayed and trusted in God.

Jesus is a man of truth.

Jesus as a teacher and preacher exhibited these personal values in His life

and public interaction. He is a perfect example for personal values like truth,

honesty, love, care and simplicity.

Social values are concerned with society. These values are cherished and

practiced because of our association with others. Jesus’ concern for society is

revealed through His ministry. He cared for the well being of society. His

preaching, teaching and healing services showed His responsibility and

accountability for a perfect society. The main characteristics are as follows:

Jesus is a responsible and accountable person.

Jesus taught on the value of forgiveness and love.


237

Jesus taught on tolerance, and service mindedness.

Jesus taught about sin, faith and duty.

As a teacher of social values, Jesus set a personal example and model for the

society.

Moral values are those which are related to an individual’s character and

personality confirming to what is right and virtuous. They are the benchmarks of

what is right and wrong, good and evil that which govern one’s character and

choices. The main characteristics are given below:

Jesus preached the moral value of responsibility through the Parable

of the lost sheep.

Jesus taught about the moral value of compassion and responsibility

through the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Living in moral values helps to reduce conflicts and tensions in society. As a

man of values, He is not against the social order, but was against the unlawful

traditions of society. As a person, He excelled in high moral values.

Spiritual values are higher order ones reflected through religious values.

They are concerned with the highest end of life. The teachings of Jesus had its

fullness on the teachings of spirituality. The main characteristics of the spiritual

value He taught were as given under:

The central theme of teachings was the ‘Kingdom of God’ or

‘Eternal life’.

Prayer as a spiritual value.

He concentrated on spiritual purity.

He taught on the holistic development of man.


238

To conclude, the daily life of Jesus Christ is a life of values. Whatever

values He preached, He put them into action. There is a perfect blend of personal,

social, moral and spiritual values in the teachings of Jesus.

6.7.5 OBJECTIVE V: AIMS IN THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST

The ultimate aim of education is the holistic development of the individual.

Through the process of education, the educator tries to inculcate good values and

ideals in the educand. In the History of the world, Jesus Christ as a teacher towers

high above all the great personalities. As a teacher ‘Empowerment of the Self’ is an

important aim in the teaching. The major aims of teaching according to Him are as

under:

To develop right values

To teach on commitment and conviction

To build healthy relationship among fellow beings

Equipping people to face challenges of life

To teach about God

To grow as integrated personalities

To serve the mankind

Jesus as an ideal teacher was successful in the realisation of these aims. The

teaching was marvelous and comprehended all phases of human life. The main aim

of teaching was to create perfect society with perfect people. Thus the realisation of

the aims would finally bring the fulfillment of the ‘Kingdom of God’ on earth.

6.7.6 OBJECTIVE VI: PRINCIPLES IN THE TEACHINGS OF

JESUS CHRIST

The most important quality of a teacher is what he is himself. The teachings

of Jesus were not rooted to any particular principles or theories. But He had the

supreme opportunity of moulding the ‘within’ of a person. The main principles

applied in His teaching are as follows:


239

Giving individual attention for the learner

Using the process of scaffolding

Employing with real life oriented issues

Appealing to the conscience of the learner

Teaching through active participation of the learners

The teachings of Jesus are in strict accordance with the psychological

principles of learning. They are in close association with the daily life of the people.

The transformation and redemption of the mind and soul are the cardinal elements

in all the teaching.

6.7.7 OBJECTIVE VII: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISCIPLES OF

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus as a teacher is very much concerned for the well being of the people.

He is not primarily an orator, a social reformer or political leader, but rather a true

teacher. His mission was to teach a small group of disciples with a view to give

training for leadership. For the purpose, the circle of His disciples consisted of

twelve members. The main characteristics of His disciples were as follows:

They were ordinary and ignorant people

They had sinful nature in life

They were impulsive in thoughts

They easily got perplexed under unfamiliar situations

They had disturbed and confusing minds

Jesus produced best and effective results for the disciples. Jesus was able to

transform them from ‘fishermen’ to ‘fishers of men’. Even though Jesus was

efficient to refine the characters of disciples, Judas remained as an exception. The

choice of ‘free will’ was exercised through the act of Judas by betraying Jesus. This


240

also makes an indication that even an ideal and inspiring teacher encounters the

problem of moulding the entire student community.

6.7.8 OBJECTIVE VIII: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PRAYER IN THE

TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST

The life of Jesus Christ was a life of ‘Prayer’. It was prayer that embedded

the personal life of Jesus. The main features of prayer life of Jesus are as under:

It was a habitual pattern of daily life.

It was a time for communion with God.

It was a private and personal discourse.

He prayed for guidance, intercession and forgiveness.

He graciously thanked God in prayer.

Jesus as a teacher and preacher had a great faith in God. Prayer is an

essential prerequisite for the noblest living. Jesus’ prayer life is a model of prayer

for one to practice.

6.7.9 OBJECTIVE IX: JESUS CHRIST AS A LIBERATOR

Among the strong leaders of liberation, the position of Jesus is

unquestionably the greatest. The figure of Jesus Christ is seen as a liberator who

liberates people from bondage and slavery of all kinds. He showed His love and

concern for the people by calling them as brothers and sisters. From the gospels, the

investigator found that Jesus redeems His people not only from sin and sickness, but

also from their downtrodden state. His teachings were to create a self awareness

regarding the oppressed and marginalised; that they are in no way less than other

human beings except for earthly things like possession of material wealth and

position in society. His philosophy is a liberative one where the oppressors needed

to be liberated from their superiority complex. He also taught on solidarity and

equality for the oppressed.


241

To conclude, His teachings on liberation were the outcome of His interest in

the welfare of the people and their salvation.

6.7.10 OBJECTIVE X: JESUS CHRIST AS A TEACHER COUNSELLOR

Counselling helps the individual to realise that everything is significant in

life. The major aim of counselling is to relieve the individual from stress and to

make him well adjusted to the norms and ideals of the society.

Jesus stood himself as the symbol of knowledge, wisdom, patience,

compassion and love. Throughout the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we see Him

as a man of ‘counselling’. His model of counselling is that of life transforming one.

The main area of His counselling is for spiritual entity. From the gospels, the

investigator found that Jesus possessed an empathetic counselling outlook.

Compassion is reflected throughout in the counselling process. Whoever came to

Him with a problem was given some kind of advice and was sent back in peace.

The phenomenon of ‘Needs of Human Life’ is well understood by Jesus. There is a

kind of personal counselling to great extent. The personal qualities of Jesus as a

counsellor are as follows:

He is filled with compassion.

He gave personal attention for the individual.

He is a patient listener in the process of counselling.

He had positive attitude in counselling.

His counselling is a kind of true teaching with empathetic outlook,

emotional stability and encouragement.

He built faith and never denied those who sought His help.

He sensibly dealt with heart breaking issues.

Thus, through the process of counselling, He reached the unreachable. A

pattern of client centred counselling and teaching is witnessed in His ministry.


242

To conclude, as a teacher counsellor Jesus brought appreciable results in His

people.

6.7.11 OBJECTIVE XI: TEACHINGS THROUGH ‘SERMON ON THE

MOUNT’

The ‘Sermon on the Mount’ is considered as the ‘Keynote’ address of Jesus.

The main essence is to teach people on the values and qualities needed to inherit the

‘Kingdom of God’. The principles of leading a healthy community life are well

taught here. The ethical standards and qualities presented are absolute and seem to

be too high for people to attain.

In spite of its absoluteness, these teachings are the benchmark for an

individual to lead qualitative life and inherit eternal kingdom.

To conclude, the teaching through this passage shows that Jesus taught

‘Sermon on the Mount’ as the one who had authority.

6.7.12 OBJECTIVE XII: MODEL LESSON

The teaching style of Jesus is presented through a model lesson from the

gospel of John. (John 4:4-30)

The framework:

Topic : The meeting of Jesus with a Samaritan woman

Theme : Eternal Life

Mode : Dialogue and Discussion

The investigator had the opportunity to present the lesson in discussion

mode before the M.Ed students at Mangalam College of Education, Ettumanoor,

Kottayam and their responses were collected.

The investigator and the respondents came out with the conclusion that

Jesus as a teacher is very efficient in transacting values and ideals to the listeners.


243

From the theme, they also found that the teaching proceeded from simple to

complex, known to unknown and concrete to abstract.

Jesus as a teacher was competent enough to bring about behavioural changes

in the woman. The woman got self revelation and insight in her life which resulted

in the total change or transformation of her character. Through this teaching Jesus

displayed His role as a liberator of the individual (Samaritan woman) and reformed

the attitude of the society.

To conclude, Jesus as a teacher is able to bring about commendable changes

in His followers.

6.7.13 OBJECTIVE XIII: THE PERSONALITY OF JESUS CHRIST AS A

TEACHER

The personality of Jesus as a teacher is of great importance. The major

qualities of His personality are as given below:

Jesus is a man of truth.

He had ardent faith in teaching.

He had authority over the subject.

The human element is well understood.

He is a great communicator and an exponent in teaching.

The personality of a teacher is one of the most important aspects of a

teacher. Jesus is a living embodiment of truth. As a teacher, He had great faith in

His mission and authority over the subjects. He knew the scriptures thoroughly and

used them in the teaching. He understood the problems of human life and dealt

them with wisdom. He did not devise any particular educational theory,

psychological principles and pedagogical practices in teaching, but He is an

exponent of all these.

He did not impose anything on the learner, but always prompted the learner

to choose the right and discard the wrong. His approach is direct to the subject and


244

the illustrations are very much impressive. In short, the personality of Jesus as a

teacher is a perfect one.

6.7.14 OBJECTIVE XIV: JESUS CHRIST: THE IDEAL TEACHER

Teaching is a divine profession which is closely related with the holistic

development of the individual. There is a deep relationship between the work of

teachers and almost every aspects of the society. Jesus as a teacher presented a

unique style in teaching, content, methods and qualities required for an ideal

teacher. The gospels present the picture of Jesus as a teacher par excellence. The

major aspects in His teaching are:

6.7.14.1 Purpose and Content of Teaching

The main purpose and content of teaching is to establish the ‘Kingdom of

God’. This is described in various ways. The purpose of teaching included the

different phases like teaching God’s will, teaching to save the lost ones and teaching

to inherit eternal life.

6.7.14.2 Characteristics of Jesus’ Teachings

As a teacher, He preached with authority. He taught profound truth in simple

manner. His teaching situation adapted well with the abilities of the learners.

Submission to God’s will is one of the main characteristics of Jesus’ teachings. The

teaching of Jesus is seen to have greater authority than that of the Jewish religious

leaders. The messages were confirmed to God’s will. The teachings are done in

informal settings and people followed Him from place to place. He used the

common language of the people that was Aramaic among the Jews and Greek for

others.

6.7.14.3 The Teaching Methods of Jesus

The teachings of Jesus did not confine to any strict method or pattern. But,

specific with the target group, He used varied methods. The age and intellectual

level of learner, the mind of the learner and the kind of lesson were all the


245

determining factors for Jesus in choosing a method. The most common methods

used are as follows:

Lecture method

Question-answer method

Dialogue/discussion method

Dramatisation

Demonstration method

Jesus, as a teacher is a propagator of varied methods, specific to the target

group.

6.7.14.4 Techniques of Teaching

A number of teaching techniques were used besides conventional telling

technique of preaching and teaching. Various verbal techniques were used to

command the attention of the learners. Some of them are given below:

Metaphor

Hyperbole

Contrast

Proverbs

Allegory

Parables

Among the different techniques used, the most popular one was the use of

Parables. This constituted the major share of His teaching. Parables were used to

emphasise everyday life in connection with spiritual truth. Different categories of

parables are found in the gospels and they depicted particular themes.


246

6.7.14.5 Venue of Teaching

The teachings of Jesus were carried in informal settings. Anywhere and

everywhere became the venue for teaching. In this way, Jesus is an itinerant teacher.

In short, Jesus as an ideal teacher set a high standard of teaching qualities.

The purpose, content, characteristics, methods, techniques and venue of teaching all

revealed His uniqueness as an ideal teacher.

6.7.15 OBJECTIVE XV: RESULTS OF THE TEACHING MISSION OF

JESUS CHRIST

The teachings of Jesus Christ are so unique and marvelous to the extent that

it gave great mission and results for the world. As a teacher, He is unique and

peerless when compared to other great teachers of the universe.

The main results of His mission are as follows:

Exaltation of personality

Transformation of lives

Development of language and literature

Growth of arts and music

Social works initiated

The teachings of Jesus Christ gave utmost reverence for personalities of

people. The people who were leading sinful life were ready to give up their sins

after meeting with Jesus. Through the centuries, there has been a living and

continuous chain of transformed disciples who reshaped the destiny of the world.

The literature of the world changed with the coming of the master teacher.

Countless books in different languages have been written exclusively about Him.

The writers in the fields of theology, ethics, history and sociology have drawn

heavily from His teachings. The teachings had an indelible and universal impression

in the field of arts and music. The earthly ministry of Jesus was dedicated for the

welfare of the people. He gave His life for the upliftment of the people, to reduce


247

the gulf between have’s and have not’s and to create a society of new social order.

Sharing and caring of fellow beings and needy people are very much highlighted in

the teachings. Jesus taught people ‘It is better to give than receive’. The teachings

gave birth to charity organisations.

To conclude, the service of Jesus to mankind is remarkable. Jesus is a great

man in history. He had no servants, yet people called Him ‘Master’. He had no

professional education, yet they called Him ‘Teacher’.

6.8 TENABILITY OF THE HYPOTHESIS

The major findings with respect to the objectives (I to XV) highlight the

qualities of Jesus Christ as an ideal teacher. Thus the hypothesis formulated in the

study is substantiated.

6.9 CONCLUSIONS OF THE STUDY

On the basis of the analyses of the findings the following conclusions are

drawn.

1. The four gospels served as the primary source for the study. The secondary

source was mainly the books pertaining to the ‘Life and Teachings of Jesus

Christ’. The investigator found that the sources were very much relevant for

the conduct of the study.

2. Among the various titles used for addressing Jesus, the most popular one is

‘Teacher’ which is found to be closely linked with His mission.

3. Jesus’ teaching comprised a composite blend of all philosophies. As a

philosopher, Jesus had expertise in various philosophies. His teachings were

with philosophical outlook. Jesus was more known for the humanistic

philosophy.

4. As an ardent lover of values, His teachings were for value inculcation. He is

an embodiment of truth and love. His teachings catered to the needs of all


248

sections of society. He taught on values on each and every occasion. As a

teacher, He had deep values in personal and public life.

5. The aims of education were well fulfilled through His teachings. ‘Integrated

Personality Development’ was the chief aim of His teachings.

6. Jesus as a teacher taught with principles of learning. Both the aim and nature

of the learner are given due importance. The transformation and redemption of

the mind and soul are the cardinal elements in all the principles of His

teachings.

7. As a teacher, He understood fully the characteristics of the disciples. He made

deliberate efforts to bring change in the disciples. Modification of behaviour

was focused in the disciples through the teachings.

8. As a man of faith and prayer, Jesus practiced a model of personal prayer life

for mankind to follow.

9. The liberation teachings of Jesus are meant for the downtrodden and

marginalised community. He is a social reformer and His focus is to irradiate

the discrimination and social evils in the society. Liberation of ‘soul’ is also

given importance in the teachings.

10. As a teacher counsellor, Jesus had compassion for the people. All the

teachings had a ‘counselling’ touch. Whoever came to Him with problems

was sent back in peace. There was a kind of client centered approach in His

counselling.

11. The ‘Sermon on the Mount’ calls for a good community living with ground

realities to inherit the ‘Kingdom of God’. Eventhough the Sermon teaches us

on ‘absoluteness’, we can achieve absoluteness only to a certain extent.

12. The teaching style of Jesus has been always suited to the learners. He used

varied methods in accordance with the intellectual capacities of the learners.


249

13. As a teacher, His personality is a perfect one. His life of truth, faith in

teaching, authority over the subject, understanding the mind of the learners

and compassion for them are all distinguished qualities for a good teacher.

14. As an ideal teacher, He gained fame among the masses. He is unique with

respect to the purpose, content, characteristics, methods and techniques of

teaching. The venues of teachings are also unique. In this way, He is an

itinerant preacher and teacher. The uniqueness in personal and teaching

qualities made Him an ideal teacher. Ideal teachers will have disciples who

will spread the teachings of their masters. This we see in Jesus Christ.

15. The service of Jesus to mankind is excellent and admirable. His mission has

been a source of inspiration to millions over the globe. His teaching expertise

is a unique and exemplary one with outstanding results.

Thus from the present study the investigator has come to the conclusion

that the qualities of an ideal teacher should be the following

Authority and command over the subject

Good philosophical outlook

Ardent lover of values

Striving for integrated holistic development.

Deliberate effort for modification of behaviour in the learner

Strong faith and love for the learner

Teacher counsellor with empathetic outlook and compassion

Using appropriate methods and techniques of teaching and

communication

Social and spiritual liberator


250

Should be an inspiring teacher with excellent personal qualities

Person of absolute faith in God

6.10 EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

The study has revealed that the qualities of Jesus as an ideal teacher remain

forever in an ever changing world. The findings of the present study have wide

implications in fostering ideal qualities among teachers.

It is sure that the quality, competency and character of teachers will have a

strong influence on the learners. Thus the teachers of the modern age should try to

imbibe qualities to become ideal teachers. Becoming an ideal teacher is not an easy

process. It needs dedication, commitment, subject competency, communication skill

and the human qualities that necessitate the requirements of ideal teachers.

Knowledge is transmitted through books, but the love of knowledge is given by

teachers. The qualities of teachers are the guiding and judging factors for an ideal

society.

In the present study, the investigator concludes that the qualities of Jesus

Christ as an ideal teacher are of par excellence. By studying the qualities of Jesus as

an ideal teacher, the investigator suggests the following measures for improving the

quality of teachers.

1. Teachers should partake in programmes of orientation and training for the

development of their personality. Personality development of the students should be

given prime importance through the curricular and co-curricular activities. Proper

value orientation and counselling classes should be arranged to develop the

personality of the teachers. The teacher should be a person of faith in God, who can

realise the ‘divine’ spirit. Only a teacher of spiritual development can guide the

pupils for the enlightenment of the soul. The teacher of the present world should

give more importance in teaching the students on the concept of God. True devotion

to God will reduce tensions and foster love among fellow beings.


251

2. In the classroom, the teacher should devise learner specific teaching methods

and style depending on the content. The psychological principles of learning

should be applied in the classroom.

3. Teachers should act as agents of social change. They should be well aware of

the evils that destroy the society. Proper conscientisation should be given to

the child to fight against these evils.

4. The teacher should be a propagator of values. Upholding of the values should

be of great importance for the teacher.

5. Teachers should be good counsellors too. Compassion and empathy should be

reflected from the teacher.

6. Teacher should teach in such a way that the aims and principles of teaching

should be fully realised. The personality of the teacher should be an epitome

of love and kindness.

7. The educational institutions and authorities should show sincere interest in

conducting teacher training programmes focusing on the development of

personality of teachers.

8. Training on soft skills should be conducted for teachers for the development

of personality.

The analyses of the qualities of Jesus Christ prove His expertise as an ideal

teacher. In short, the teachers of the present day should emulate the aforesaid

qualities to get elevated to the ideal status.

6.11 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Some of the areas where further research can be done related to the present

study are given below.

1. A comparative study can be conducted on the teachings of Jesus Christ with

those of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Sree Narayana Guru.


252

2. A study on the concept of social justice in Jesus’ teachings and those of

Gautama Buddha can be conducted.

3. A comparative study on Jesus’ teachings on social justice and Dr. B.R.

Ambedkar’s concept of social reformation can be conducted.

4. A comparative study on Jesus’ teachings and St Paul’s teachings can be

conducted.

5. A study on the concept of spirituality in Jesus’ teachings and Nithya

Chaitanya Yati can be conducted.

6. A comparative study can be conducted on the spiritual teachings of Jesus

Christ with that of Gautama Buddha.

7. A study can be conducted on the teaching methods of Jesus with that of

Socratic Method.

8. A comparative study on the peace philosophy of Jesus Christ with that of

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy can be conducted.

9. The teachings of Jesus Christ can be compared with those of Prophet

Mohammad.

10. A comparative study on the teachings of Jesus Christ with the teachings in

Bhagawadh Gita.

11. A study can be conducted on the qualities of an ideal teacher with special

reference to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa.

12. The teachings of Jesus Christ can be compared with those of Lord Krishna.

chapter – vi summary of the study, major...

Documents