Written by Lindsay Richardson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Tennessee
Jesus teaches us through His actions, words, and experiences.
He uses a variety of methods to reach His people— in tangible ways that we can understand as well. Here are some of His teaching styles:
- Parables/illustrations
- Storytelling/teachable moments
- Performing miracles/healing
- Speaking to crowds
- Reciting scripture
- Teaching us how to pray/through prayer
- Leading by example and actions
- Asking questions
- From experiences/hands-on
- Repetition
Using parables. Jesus would use stories to help illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The depiction of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 is an amazing story of redemption. A son left home and squandered all his inheritance, sinning against his father. In verse 24, the father is filled with compassion when he sees his son returning. “’ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (NIV) Jesus told this parable to teach us that God’s love is endless and unconditional. It is never too late to turn from our sinful ways and come back to the Father.
Teachable moments. Jesus and His disciples were on a boat when a storm came. Jesus was asleep. Jesus used this opportunity to teach a lesson about putting their FULL trust in Him.
The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4: 38b-41)
Speaking to crowds. One of the most famous sermons of all time happened on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It is referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount.” At this time Jesus used the opportunity to speak to a large crowd that had gathered to hear Him teach many things, including what are known as the Beatitudes (Matt. 5-7).
Performing miracles. In Matthew 14, we see how He performed the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. This miracle became a teachable moment as well for the disciples, as they were able to feed all of the hungry people (from just five loaves of bread and two fish).
Teaching how to pray. Jesus also taught His people how to pray. In Matthew 6, He tells us how to pray… and the Lord’s Prayer is widely prayed and recited by millions all over the world to this day.
Leading by example. Jesus was baptized by John. He paved the way and led by example for us; His baptism also signifying the start of His earthly ministry that would eventually lead to His death on the cross. At the moment of His baptism, the heavens were opened and God’s voice proclaimed, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17b).
Asking questions. Often throughout scripture Jesus would answer a question with a question. At times, He would also present a question in the form of a challenge, or a question to add emphasis to make His point. “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matt. 6:30) Also we find in Mark, “Which is easier: to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” (Mark 2:9)
Each of us is unique and we each have different learning styles. Jesus taught everyone in such a wide array of styles to make sure everyone that was able could hear, see, and understand Him. May we have the eyes to see, and the ears to hear!