Post on 17-Apr-2018
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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:
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND CONCLUSIONS
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.