Feb 18th, 2021: How Did Jesus Teach?

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I was asked once by a young person whether God speaks to everyone. I told her that I believe so. She then asked me this question: "Why don't we get a chance to hear from other people in the church what they know about God on Sunday morning? Why do we just listen to one man?".

That is a good question. We have been doing church thinking that everyone learns about God the same way. We depend on our pastors for teaching and sometimes worship leaders. Many pastors are not good teachers. Maybe it is about time to consider how Jesus taught.

Jesus knows who he is. It sounds simple, but it is a challenge for many pastors we know. Our lack of security and self-understanding does not enhance our authority to teach. We learn in the Bible that Jesus taught with authority. He did not doubt his mission and purpose to be in the world.

Jesus taught in parables. He used stories that people can relate to while making his points. He understands life and the suffering of life. We can only have stories to tell when we learn how to live for God honestly. We then can identify with those who are struggling and in pain. Our storytelling becomes a source of hope and comfort.

Jesus was aware of a teaching moment. He was sensitive toward what the Father revealed to him. His confrontation with the crowd who was about stoning a woman to death is one of those examples. He was not afraid of the truth.

Jesus asked questions. His interaction with the Samaritan woman started with a question. Our questions sometimes can be seen as an invitation to walk together in discovering who God is. I have learned how to share with people about my faith by asking them about theirs.

I now stop sharing the rest of my thoughts about this topic because I need to ask you this question: What do you think about how Jesus taught?

Have a great time doing that.

Mark 3: 4
"And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent."

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