Jesus denied that He was self-taught. Originality was not prized at that time. The Rabbinic method was to cite authorities for every important statement made. If He had claimed His teaching was from Himself, He would have been immediately discredited. His teaching is not self-originated nor is it a product of the Rabbinic schools, but it instead comes directly from God. “The bold claim is here made by Jesus that his teaching is superior in character and source to that of the rabbis.” (RWP)

Jesus came as the Son of Man. He was our substitute, but also our example. Here He shows us that his learning came from God (John 8:28) and not from seminary or from books. Who better to learn from than the One who is the truth? Our primary source of knowledge about God should always be God Himself. Look at the importance Paul gives to his formal education in (Gal 1:11-12).

John 8:28  So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.

Gal 1:11-12  I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

How do you prepare to teach Sunday school? To witness? To do anything for God? Do you rely on God or trust in men? The way God wants us to learn and to prepare to serve Him in any capacity is for us to get alone with Him and His Word and expectantly seek His truth (Psalms 25:9). We are not to neglect what He has shown others. To do so would be to waste the time and prayer they spent to hear from Him. And God does use people to speak to people, but the emphasis of your personal spiritual education should be on what God shows you through His Word.

Psalms 25:9  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

“teaching” or “doctrine” (KJV) is singular. In fact, it is always singular when speaking of God’s teaching (2 Tim 3:16), but plural when speaking of the teachings of men or of demons (Col 2:22). Man’s teachings are in conflict with each other. There is no unity in them. But God’s teaching is whole, unified, and harmonious. The Bible is a collection of 66 books which were written over a period of 1600 years by at least 36 different authors, most of whom did not know each other. They were of various backgrounds, from kings to shepherds to prophets to tax collectors. It was written in 3 different languages on three different continents in many different countries. Yet, with all this diversity, the Bible is one cohesive unit and does not contradict itself in any way. How is this possible? Only because the real Author is one Person — God Himself.

2 Tim 3:16  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Col 2:22  These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.