Focus on Metaphysics:
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Question #2: What is the spiritual model for teacher?

One of the most familiar images in the Bible is the shepherd caring for his sheep. When you look at all the ways the shepherd looks after his flock, you begin to realize that we're seeing the full range of fathering and mothering qualities expressed.

As the shepherd guides, instructs, protects, and defends his sheep, he is exercising his fatherly character. When he nourishes, comforts, and cherishes them, it is his motherly nature in evidence.

Since sheep are easily frightened, they wake up often during the night. A true shepherd trains himself to need little sleep, to be available to reassure them in the dark. Each sheep has its own name, and the good shepherds know them immediately and individually. They never abandon their sheep when danger threatens, but defend them at all costs.

Do these sound like the qualities of good parenting? Yes, and isn't that the best model for the role of teacher?

Christ Jesus taught his most important lessons by example. The actual words of his teaching that were recorded in the Bible are succinct. It is in the legacy of his healing work where the genius of his teaching technique is best understood. Jesus’ words have survived all these years because of the deeds (healings) that proved their validity.

King James Bible:
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep."
John 10:14, 15
Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy
"The tone of the teacher's mind must be pure, grand, true, to aid the mental development of the student; for the tint of the instructor's mind must take its hue from the divine Mind."
p.264:26-28

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