We struggle to understand Jesus. Yet we are taught about him from our youth (at least in the culture I grew up in–blogs are global, so I assume not everyone who reads this is from rural Ohio).
Imagine if you were taught from your youth about what the new “Anointed One” (translation of Messiah into English–Christ is a form of the Greek translation) would be. There was a tradition that he would be what Moses called “one who comes after me who is greater than me.” There was another tradition that he would be like David–a King who established a political empire.
Let’s consider the Moses tradition. Remember Moses? He talked directly to God. It was said he saw God. When he came down from the mountain, he was so caught up in the experience that people were uncomfortable seeing him. They placed a veil over him so that they wouldn’t feel so uncomfortable.
Who was Moses? He was the deliverer from slavery. He gave them the Laws. He tried to lead the people into a relationship with God.
I think the disciples, along with the Jewish people of the time, expected David. What they got was Moses. Jesus delivered them (and us) from slavery and tried to teach us how to live in a relationship with God. Doing it by the Law didn’t work. Jesus brought a new way.
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus taught for 40 days after his resurrection, but very little is recorded. On the road to Emmaus, he explained the scriptures to the disciples. What did he say? Evidently what he said before. But now there was new power and understanding.
Jesus had now experienced death and resurrection. His disciples now experienced his death and resurrection. The experience was so powerful that they scattered around the world forming new communities teaching about this experience. It was so powerful that it appealed not just to Jews but to everyone.
I work in engineering–now as a writer. We are discussing how schools need to add more experience to teaching in order to deepen the understanding of engineering students. I think the same applies spiritually.
The disciples really didn’t need new teaching. They just needed a refresher course after they experienced the end game. That must be why there are no new teachings recorded. You learn a little intellectually. You experience. You reflect on that experience. You re-learn what you thought you knew.
That’s what makes spiritual disciplines so important. They lead to experiencing God.
Faith Venture 
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