Opening Our Mouths to Be Taught: The Enduring Ministry of Jesus

Sometimes, when we’re deep in the field—whether that field is a missionary discussion, a family gathering, or just our own quiet time with the scriptures—it feels like we already know the answer. We’ve studied the Book of Mormon, we’ve been through MTC, and we feel confident in our message. We feel ready to teach.

But what if the most powerful thing we can do right now isn't to speak, but to listen? What if our greatest work right now is to sit at the feet of the Master Teacher?

I was reflecting this week on a devotional that dove deep into Matthew 5, the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. And what struck me, again, is the sheer posture of Jesus. He didn't just *give* advice; He *taught*. He opened His mouth, and it was a deliberate, authoritative act of instruction.

The Posture of the Student

The speaker pointed out something vital: Jesus spoke to the multitudes, yes, but the message was directed toward disciples in a broad sense—those who followed and who would listen. It wasn't a political manifesto for a kingdom; it was an ethical blueprint for discipleship. It showed how being a disciple of Jesus translates into daily living.

This really hit home for me. As returned missionaries, we often feel like we have to *prove* we know the doctrine. We feel the pressure to be the expert. But the Spirit whispers a gentler reminder: Before we can effectively teach others, we must be willing to be taught ourselves. We need to adopt the posture of the student.

Think about it. If we approach our scriptures, our study groups, or even our conversations with the Spirit-filled anticipation of a student—ready to be corrected, ready to be illuminated—then we become better conduits for the Spirit. We stop trying to *perform* our knowledge and start allowing the knowledge to *flow* through us.

Practice Makes Presence

The speaker mentioned that the verb used for "taught" is in the imperfect tense, suggesting a repeated, habitual action—"this is what he *used to teach* them." It implies a continuous, ongoing process. Our discipleship, our effort to be more Christlike, isn't a one-time event; it’s a daily, habitual opening of our ears and hearts.

This is a great principle to carry into our local efforts. Whether you’re leading a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces or just having a casual conversation with an investigator, remember to pause and ask yourself: Am I ready to be taught today? What am I willing to learn from this person, or from the Spirit working through them?

It’s a humbling thought, isn't it? To realize that the most powerful testimony we can bear is often the testimony of our own ongoing learning. It reminds me that the work is always ongoing, and the Savior’s message is always current.

If you need a refresher on how to approach difficult doctrinal questions with grace, I highly recommend running through a scenario with Davee. He’s excellent at walking you through the Investigator role, helping you prepare for those moments when an investigator asks a question that makes you pause. It’s perfect missionary preparation!

For those who love deep dives into scripture, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces, or dive into the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. We can learn together!

What are you studying this week? Let’s keep the momentum going! If you’re looking for some foundational reading on discipleship, I’ve been revisiting some of the Iron Rod authors lately—check out the latest recommendations in LivingBook!

Let’s commit this week to being students first. Let Jesus open His mouth and teach us what we need to know.