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Jesus was the Master Teacher. This was
recognized by
the great of His day, by His
followers, and through the ages by
Christians right up to today.
If we recognize our calling to teaching, even
though we might have been trained via methods
courses or have come to our positions because
of experience and years of study, what better
way to gauge our teaching ability than by finding
out how Jesus taught and carrying that
over into
our classrooms today?
This paper will explore the methods Jesus used
to
get His message across to the people of His
day and to teach His lessons to His disciples.
This paper could lead to ts’ methods of teaching,
the development of a
required course for student
teachers on Jesus’ methods of teaching.
Jesus was the master teacher. Thousands would
gather to hang on his every word. People traveled
far and wide just to hear him. The lessons he taught
spread like fire and literally changed the world.
How did Jesus teach?
1. Parables.
Jesus spoke often using parables, which are stories
that illustrate an important truth. He would often
use the life situations of the people.
He spoke to in order to create a story
that would
have a big impact on them. The main distinction
with parables
is that the summary of the story
should demonstrate the important truth
that needs
to be shared.For examples, see Luke 10 and 15.
2. Object Lessons.
Jesus used object lessons all the
time. Sometimes
he would use actual objects, and sometimes he
would act
out the object lesson. The main goal with
an object lesson is to share
an important truth
visually. For examples of different types of object
lessons, see Matt 19, Mark 12, John 4, and John 13.
3. Dialogue.
Jesus would often engage religious
leaders in
dialogue, which simply means to engage in the
asking and
answering of questions. The skill
that Jesus had was to look beyond the
surface to
determine the real question that someone was
trying to ask
him, then he would help the
learner find the answer. For examples, see John 2 and 3.
4. Comparisons.
Jesus often taught using
comparisons. These
comparisons often took the form of parables, object
lessons, similes, and metaphors. By comparing two
different things, Jesus would make a strong point
to His audiences. For examples, see Matt 5 and 13.
6. Hyperbole.
Jesus would occasionally use
hyperbole, or
overstatement, in order to make His point. While we
sometimes have difficulty determining when Jesus
was using hyperbole,
one clear example can be
found in Matthew 7.
7. Puns.
Who knew? Jesus would sometimes use puns
when
he taught others. Often, the English translations of
the Bible are
not able to bring out this distinctive,
because Jesus had a mastery of
the Aramaic
language (Jesus’ mother tongue) that He would use
to not
only demonstrate His point, but do so in a
funny way, using a “play on words.”
Such a usage of humor to communicate an
important truth can only
be used if someone has a
mastery of the audience’s language.
For an example of puns, see Matthew 23:24 and
look at His usage of the Aramaic
words for gnat
(galma) and camel (gamla).
8-Jesus Spoke by His
Authority
Other teachers quoted credible teachers or
teachings to borrow authority. Jesus, on the
other hand, boldly declared, “You have heard
this, but I tell you…”
The crowds were amazed because He taught
as one who had authority, unlike other teachers
. Jesus alone could do this because he is the
Word . All authority on Heaven and Earth has
been given to him .
Application:
10-Jesus Shocked People
Jesus often used hyperbole. He used outrageous
examples, exaggerations, or shocking statements
to get your attention. These statements were
not all meant to be taken literally, but they
definitely got the point across.
For example, Jesus didn’t really mean we have
to rip out oureyes and amputate our hands for
causing us to sin , or else all Christians would
be blind amputees. He also didn’t mean that the
people he was speaking to literally had logs
in their eyes.
He was making a point.
Jesus said things that shocked people and
exaggerated the truth to emphasize his point.
Application:
Shock people. Exaggerate a little. Say
outrageous things that aren’t meant to be
literal, but grab attention and communicate
the point clearly.
11-Jesus Crafted
Memorable Sayings
Jesus spoke poetically. He used catchy
sayings and plays on words. This isn’t always
apparent in English translations. However,
in the original language, Jesus made it much
easier for his listeners to remember what he
said.
For example, Jesus memorably said, “Judge
not, and you will not be judged; condemn not,
and you will not be condemned; forgive, and
you will be forgiven; give, and it will be
given to you.”. Another great example is
the Golden Rule.
Application:
There is a famous saying attributed to teachers:
“You are going to do this over and over again
until you get it right.” Repetition is essential to
new learning,as is relevance and rigor. Jesus
utilized these three concepts as He worked not
only with His disciples but with folks He met
We see this when He talked about the
importance of receiving the kingdom of
God like a little child, and when He told the
disciples to allow the children to come to Him.
In Peter we read about desiring the milk of
the word like a child, and in regard to evil,
be like infants.
His repetitious use of children sends a
message to us. It is crucial to our lessons
that we identify the essential concepts to
be learned and build on them.
In teacher education, we talk about accessing
prior knowledge and activating prior knowledge.
Students need to see the relevance of what
they are learning (how it ties in with what they
already know), and how it might apply to their
future.
This can be accomplished through various
activation strategies such as two-minute talks,
think-pair-share-,talking drawings, the first
word (acronym), or THIEVES (title, headings,
introduction, every first sentence, visuals and
vocabulary, end of chapter questions,
summary). Once we point out to students the
relevance of the material, we can then
increase the words.
Jesus helped his listeners understand and
remember his teachings by the use of
frequent repetition. He taught the same
major themes again and again.
For example, Jesus spoke of his death and
resurrection over and over again, and his
disciples still didn’t get it.
Application:
14-Jesus Used Visual Illustrations
Jesus often used object lessons to
communicate concrete truth to his listeners.
He washed the feet of the disciples to teach
servant leadership .
He called a little child to him to discuss
childlike faith .He described unselfish giving
after watching a widow drop two small
coins into the temple offering .
When he told the parable of the sower,
there is a good chance he was standing
near a field.Visually communicated truth
is far more powerful than only spoken truth.
Application:
Use objects and visual illustrations. Block out
time to be creative and think of ways to
communicate your message visually.
15-Sayings and Word Pictures
Jesus loved to use sayings when He taught.
Do you think when Jesus said,“Don’t throw
your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6) that people
remembered that and quoted it a few times since?
Have you ever said; “that’s the blind leading the
blind”,a variation of a saying of Jesus from
Luke?Our psychology students and education
students tend to study a lot of notable figures
who are known for their sayings.
Individuals such as Freud (1953) “What does a
woman want,”John Dewey (1897) “Education,
therefore, a process of living and not a preparation
for future living”(p. 78), and most recently Arne
Duncan (2011),“
The vast majority who drop out of high school
drop-out not because it’s too hard but because
it’s too easy,”make statements that tend to
drive the concepts in their field of expertise.
It wasn’t enough for people to just listen to his
teachings. Jesus gave instructions and called
them to do what he said. For example, he didn’t
just teach the disciples what to do, he then sent
them out to do it and report back when they were
done.
Jesus’ teaching demanded action. But not
everyone could handle it, such as the rich
young ruler . Our experiences test our faith
and teach us more than any sermon ever could.
Application:
16-Jesus Practiced
What He Preached
There is no greater example of a preacher
following his own teachings than Jesus. Jesus
didn’t just teach on prayer; he often withdrew
to pray . Jesus didn’t just teach on loving
sinners; he had dinner with them .
Jesus lived what he said. He didn’t just talk a
good talk, he walked the walk, even through
death on a cross.
Application:
Practice what you preach. The greatest lessons
we teach come from our lives, not our mouth.
Conclusion
If you want to be an effective preacher or
teacher, model your methods after Jesus.