Names I've Been Called by Students

One of the more rewarding experiences you get as being a public school teacher is the plethora of nicknames that you acquire.  Here's a short list of personal favorites:

1.  "Mr. Kovac" - the obvious classic

2.  "Kovac" - Although some might find this disrespectful, there are actually a number of students who omit the title of a favorite teacher's name as a form of respect.

3.  "(Big) Papa Kovac" - In contrast to another teacher who was called "(Big) Mama _____."  Originated in what will probably be my favorite upperclassman AIS workshop, which they unofficially named "Math Prep."

4.  "DJ Kovac" - When I told my students that I have a Twitter, they went looking for it.  They were adamant that this was my handle, but it (obviously?) isn't.  Mine is @KovacMathHelp if you care.

5.  DJ Kovs - Pronounced "Coves", it's a shortened version of #4

6.  Mr. C - From my lower-level AIS workshop, they had a habit of calling people the wrong names on purpose.  Everyone ended up having an alias, and this one was mine.

7.  Kaptain Kovac - Just got this one a week or two ago by a student who I accidentally called Patrick, because he reminds me of Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants.  But I haven't told him that part.  Found out, this week that more than one of my students refer to me regularly as "The Kaptain."  (Note the alliteration.) 

Bible Questions: Mark 12:38-40

I have written these questions based on the sermon The Weighty Burden of Teaching God's Word by Dr. David Sonju.

Text: Mark 12:38-40

1. [App] Who, if anyone, do we consider dangerous (physically or spiritually) in our world today?  If so, why do we consider them dangerous?

2. [v.38, Ezra 7:10] The Scribes of Jesus’ day were the keepers, readers, and interpreters of God’s Law.  Is there such a position, or combination of positions, to who we can compare them to today?

3. [v.38] Considering that this was a time before the printing press, why would a Scribe be revered, powerful, and important?

4. [v.38-39] How did the Scribes turn the symbols meant for God’s honor into objects that honored themselves?  Use the robes, greetings, important seats, and prayers as talking points.

5. [v.40] What does a God honoring prayer sound like?  Are they long? Short? Use big words? Do they quote Scripture? Or are they original?

6. [App] The Scribes lived in hypocrisy, and today, we Christians do the same.  What steps should we take with God to correct this, and how should we present this problem to the culture that observes it?

Bible Questions: Mark 12:35-37

I have written these questions based on the sermon The Rule of Christ by Matt Kennedy.

Text: Mark 12:35-37

1. [App] How is the father-son relationship characterized today?  Think about any rituals, symbols, or shared experiences that fathers and sons share today.

2. [v.35] How is the father-son relationship characterized during Biblical times?  Why is the father always considered the greater?

3. [Psalm 110] Jesus references Psalm 110.  Read the psalm as a group, and interpret its meaning in context of David writing it.

4. [v.36] Why would Jesus be so interested in quoting Psalm 110 to his audience?  What is he trying to get them to understand?

5. [v.37] When engaging others, Jesus blends his ministry with compassion and truth.  Why is one just as important as the other?

6. [v.37] Why does the crowd and temple goers continually adore Jesus’ words, while the elders only build up anger and resentment?  Is Jesus not being compassionate to everyone? 

7. [App] How does theological conversations and arguments help lead us to a better knowledge of Scripture, and a deeper relationship with God?

Bible Questions: Mark 12:28-34

I have written these questions based on the sermon at Good Shepherd by Dr. Robert Carlson.

Mark 12:28-34

1. [App] What does it mean to be human?  Are there any shared experiences that span across all people, in all cultures, through all time?

2. [v.28, 29] Depending on the translation, the word “important” or “first” can be exchanged.  What can either translation do to strengthen the teacher’s question?  How could important also mean first?

3. [v.29-30] What is “heart”, “soul”, “mind” and “strength”?  How can a person love and serve God with these parts of their body?

4. [v.29-30] Why doesn’t Jesus answer simply, “Love God,” without the conditions mentioned in verse 30?  Why does he draw attention to heart, soul, mind and strength?

5. [v.31] How is loving your neighbor similar to loving God?  How is it different?

6. [v.34] Jesus tells the teacher that he is close to the kingdom, which also implies that he is not quite there yet.  What’s the difference between knowing God, his commands, and the Bible, and living by them?  What does this teacher need to do in order to be in the kingdom of God?