Teaching as Jesus Taught

Teaching as Jesus Taught

God gives us the instruction in Deuteronomy 6:6-9: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up...” Jesus has provided us an example of how to do this “They [disciples] were with Him in the house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. They accompanied Him on His journeys, shared His trials and hardships, and as much as in them was, entered into His work.” Education, 84-85. Here is another view “It was thus that the early disciples gave likeness to the dear Saviour…They were with Him in the house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. They were with Him as pupils with a teacher, daily receiving from His lips lessons of holy truth.” Steps to Christ, 72-73

Thankfully there is no what without how in the Bible and now we know what we are to teach our children about God and His laws—but how do we actually do it? How do we apply Jesus’ methods of teaching His disciples and the people of his time to teaching our children at home? Let’s look at some ways.

Time With God

Jesus received the strength He needed to teach by spending time with His Father and being filled with the Holy Spirit. In the same manner this is where we as parents get our motivation, ideas and strength to teach our children. Make this a priority—a must do in your life! Rising early in the morning, during quiet time or before bed are all times that can be used to develop a relationship with Jesus. Use the “extra” minutes driving in the car, washing dishes or loading the washer to pray for wisdom and guidance and praise God for His many blessings and prayer for others.

Use What You Have

Jesus met people where they were. He made the lesson meaningful to their lives. He taught on the mountainside, beside the sea and lake shores, in the fields, on the lake. He taught as they walked along and as they ate. He used illustrations from their daily life to teach them, the farmers sowing in the field, the shepherds on the hillside, and the fishermen by the lake. He illustrated His teachings with practical items—lamps, coins and mustard seeds. He even wrote in the dirt to illustrate a point and He used clay to heal.

We can use the things around us in the same manner. Take nature walks and observe God’s creation. Illustrate lessons with things around your home and in your environment.

Use circumstances and instances your children understand to communicate spiritual truths, practical learning and pass along knowledge.

It Isn’t Complicated

Jesus didn’t use a formula or curriculum in teaching the disciples or the people. He approached each person as an individual, overlooking (forbearing) their sin issues and reaching their heart with love, acceptance and caring. Because of Jesus’ caring and love, they felt convicted and confessed their sins and lived a new life. Jesus had lunch with Zaccheus, cared about him and he was a changed man. He spoke to the Samaritan woman by the well and led her to God. “Patiently, with discriminating love, the Saviour dealt with His impetuous disciple, [Peter] seeking to check his self-confidence, and to teach him humility, obedience and trust. ED88

Talk about God and the things you are learning at the dinner table, driving in the car and while preparing the meals. Share your heart with your children before bedtime, during family worship or while passing along knowledge. Let your children know you genuinely care for their feelings and their growth in Jesus. Patiently, with forbearance, deal with development of character, lessons of obedience, putting others first and helping them to feel their need for Christ in their lives.

Require A Response

Jesus required a follow-through from people, a response, an activity, or something that helped to made the learning a part of their lives. He connected an action with their knowledge thus reinforcing the lesson. Jesus gave them the facts and backed it up with scripture “It is written…” Jesus instructed them to share what they knew with others. His last instruction to the disciples was to go and make disciples of others

So we should require a response such as commitment to truth, reaching out to others or heart-felt prayer.

Be An Example

Most importantly “Jesus gave the advantage of His own companionship.” (ED84) This statement from Sister Ellen has tremendously impacted me. This shows me that my children don’t need things—they need me, they don’t need the latest curriculum package guaranteed to teach everything—they need my time and they don’t care about things—they care about what is in our hearts.

Jesus’ life was one of service to others, of reaching hearts and showing love and compassion to those around us. These activities of service and love should be included in our homes and educational experiences.

So daily we must empty ourselves of our plans, our curriculums, and our self and come to the foot of the cross. Jesus promises “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 Verse 9 continues “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding.” In other words, don’t be stubborn in doing your own thing and following the ways of the world! Follow the example we have of Jesus and trust in God to give us what we need to “teach our children diligently.”

May you be richly blessed by following Jesus’ example of teaching your children from your heart is my prayer for you. Judy ♥

(To learn more about Jesus’ style of teaching read: “An Illustration of His Methods” in Education p 84-96.)