9 Teaching Methods Of Jesus

By Brandon Hilgemann / 07/05/2018 / 19 Comments

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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.

As pastors, if there is anyone we should emulate in our preaching and teaching it

is Jesus! Right?

So how did Jesus teach?

Here are nine methods Jesus used that we can apply:

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�� (Matthew
5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44).

The crowds were amazed because He taught as one who had authority, unlike other
teachers (Mark 1:22, Matthew 7:28-29). Jesus alone could do this because he is the
Word (John 1). All authority on Heaven and Earth has been given to him (Matthew
28:18).

Application: We cannot preach on our authority, but that�s OK. Jesus gives us his.
Preach the Word. Our power and authority come from Christ alone.

Jesus Told Stories

As you are aware, Jesus told countless parables. He pulled spiritual truths from
everyday life. Not only did these stories make his teaching more memorable, they
also connected in a much more profound way.

Think about the parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus could have taught, �God loves
you so much that He will welcome you back no matter how sinful you have lived.�

Instead, Jesus tells the story of a boy who disowned his family, partied away his
inheritance, came home to beg for mercy, but was surprisingly welcomed with open
arms by his father who waited daily for his return.

Which is more powerful?

Application: Tell stories. Lots of them. Use everyday life to teach profound
spiritual truths.

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 our eyes and amputate our
hands for causing us to sin (Matthew 5:29-30), 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 (Matthew 7:3-5). 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.

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.� (Luke 6:37-38a, ESV). Another great example is the Golden
Rule (Luke 6:31).

Application: Craft sticky statements. As Andy Stanley says, �Memorable is

portable.� If your people remember the lesson, they will carry it with them
wherever they go.

Jesus Asked Questions

Rather than just tell everyone the answer, Jesus led his listeners to conclusions
by asking a lot of questions. For examples see Matthew 16:26, or 22:20-21, and
check out this cool resource: 173 Questions Jesus Asked.

Questions are a powerful teaching method, especially when teaching to hostile

people (like unbelievers). Questions stimulate critical thinking. Good questions
make the audience demand answers.

Application: Ask a lot of questions. Don�t underestimate the power of a good

question.

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 (John 13:3�17). He
called a little child to him to discuss childlike faith (Matthew 18:1�4). He
described unselfish giving after watching a widow drop two small coins into the
temple offering (Mark 12:41�44). 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.

Jesus Used Repetition

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 (Mark 8:31; 9:31;
10:33�34), and his disciples still didn�t get it.

Sometimes people need to hear something many times over before they get it. Plus,
teachings that get repeated get remembered.

Application: Re re re repeat. Repetition builds emphasis and breeds memory. What

gets repeated gets remembered. Find the main point of your message and say it again
and again.

Jesus Created Experiences

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 (Luke 9:1�6, 10).

Jesus� teaching demanded action. But not everyone could handle it, such as the rich
young ruler (Luke 18:18-23). Our experiences test our faith and teach us more than
any sermon ever could.

Application: Don�t just tell them what to do. Provide opportunities for them to do
it. Create experiences to apply the lesson. Ask, �How could I help my listeners
actually live this out?�

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 (Luke 5:16). Jesus
didn�t just teach on loving sinners; he had dinner with them (Matthew 9:10-12).

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 mouths.

Conclusion
If you want to be an effective preacher or teacher, model your methods after Jesus.

Preach the Word, tell stories, be shocking, craft sticky statements, use object
lessons, repeat yourself, create experiences, and practice what you preach.