Jesus was a fantastic teacher. We can learn from His example, and from the scriptures, how we too can be a great teacher. Whether we are a professional teacher, home school teacher, religious education teacher, parent or grandparent, Bishop, Priest or Deacon, layperson, we can follow 12 easy steps to teach as Jesus taught.
The first six are about you; the last six are about your teaching.
1. Keep growing in your own personal relationship with Jesus
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
2. Dig in to the Scriptures
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16
3. Stay in touch with the Holy Spirit
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” John 14:26
4. Be a person of service/ministry
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10
5. Take time for focused learning
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
6. Take time to rest and pray
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30
7. Know your students
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” 1 Peter 3:8
8. Teach in stories
“Jesus told them a story to teach them that they should keep on talking with God and not give up.” Luke 18:1
9. Seize teachable moments
Read any of the more than 50 parables of Jesus
10. Engage other viewpoints
Remember that Jesus said:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5: 43-47
11. Keep up with dialogue
There are many Bible verses that present stories of people in dialogue with each other. Good teachers also dialogue with their students.
12. Teach by example
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Final thoughts:
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
And finally, “What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love, and an ocean of patience.” Saint Francis de Sales
Thank you, Dcn. Marty McIndoe for letting epicPew use this fantastic article for re-use. Please visit deaconmarty.com.