Teachers’ Spiritual Competence in Times of Testing: A Study of Matthew 26:40-41 at SDN 26 Pangkatan
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study explores teachers’ spiritual competence as an inner source of strength during times of testing, interpreted through the biblical text of Matthew 26:40-41. In contemporary educational settings, teachers often encounter emotional, moral, and professional challenges that require more than pedagogical expertise. Spiritual competence, understood as vigilance, prayerfulness, and self-control, provides an essential foundation for sustaining ethical practice and personal resilience. This research aims to examine how spiritual competence is understood and embodied by Christian teachers in a public school context. The study employed a qualitative research design with a descriptive-interpretative approach. Data were collected at SDN 26 Pangkatan, Labuhan Batu, involving four Christian teachers, including one Christian Religious Education teacher, and fifteen Christian students. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The data were analyzed thematically, using Matthew 26:40-41 as a theological and interpretative lens. The findings indicate that teachers’ spiritual competence is primarily expressed through inner vigilance, prayer-oriented reflection, emotional regulation, and moral consistency. Teachers who cultivate spiritual alertness are better equipped to respond patiently to professional pressures, maintain integrity in challenging situations, and foster respectful teacher-student relationships. This study concludes that spiritual competence is a foundational dimension of holistic teacher competence. Interpreted through Matthew 26:40-41, spiritual vigilance and prayerfulness strengthen teachers’ resilience and ethical commitment in times of testing. The study recommends that teacher education and professional development programs integrate spiritual reflection and character formation to support teachers’ personal and professional sustainability.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans.
Groome, T. H. (2011). Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Jossey-Bass.
Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.
Holmes, A. F. (2010). The idea of a Christian college (Rev. ed.). Eerdmans.
Keener, C. S. (2009). The Gospel of Matthew: A socio-rhetorical commentary. Eerdmans.
Knight, G. R. (2006). Philosophy and education: An introduction in Christian perspective (4th ed.). Andrews University Press.
Noddings, N. (2013). Caring: A relational approach to ethics and moral education (2nd ed.). University of California Press.
Palmer, P. J. (2017). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life (20th anniversary ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Stott, J. R. W. (1986). The message of Matthew. InterVarsity Press.
Wolterstorff, N. (2004). Educating for life: Reflections on Christian teaching and learning. Baker Academic.