Martha and I first came to Louisiana to do graduate studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We simply assumed we would stay in New Orleans long enough to finish a masters degree and then return to our native Alabama. That didn’t happen. We’ve lived within 50 miles of New Orleans for all of our lives together.

New Orleans Seminary was a blessing to both of us. Martha received a masters degree in Religious Eduction and I received the Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degrees. Three years after finishing my Th.D. I returned to the seminary to teach. It was a great experience and wonderful time of our life.

One of the places that always intrigued me was the faculty meeting room. Each morning at 7:45 the faculty met to pray, share a short devotional, fellowship, and generally get the day off to a good start. I enjoyed those brief times each morning.

One part of that room intrigued me. It was a painting over the mantle piece. The painting was of Jesus in the Temple at age 12 conversing with the teachers of the Law. Joseph and Mary had missed Jesus and were worried over where He was and what had happened.

He replied in this way: “‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?'” (Luke 2:49).

That painting always reminded me that even though we were teachers, we as faculty had a Teacher. We learned from Him even as we taught others about Him.

I also wondered who hung that painting. Whoever it was understood the importance of humility and the need to learn from the Master Teacher.

We all need a teacher, and we all need to learn.

As we submit ourselves to God and seek Him, we are then ready to teach others.

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