CHRIST our INSTRUCTOR: “You call Me Teacher and Lord,” He said as He resumed His place among them at the table; “and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher…” (Jn 13:13-14). We notice at once the change in the order of the words. In thinking and speaking of Him, the disciples had been inclined to call Him “Teacher” first, and “Lord” second. In speaking to them of Himself, Christ reversed the order: first “Lord” and then “Teacher.” The difference may appear small, but when it comes to our attitude to Christ and His commands, the difference assumes great practical importance. All too often we come to Christ as Teacher, hear what He has to say, and then make up our mind whether we will accept His teaching and carry it out, or not. But…what we should do is to come to Him first as Lord, making up our minds in advance to obey Him and to do whatever He teaches us; and then, in that spirit, to listen to Him as Teacher. —D.W. Gooding