The vast majority of times that Jesus taught he did not do so lecture style. Instead, he used the everyday setting using everyday language and was often somewhat cryptic. Parables are designed to make you ponder what’s been said rather than spoon feed the hearer.
Parables
Jesus used parables in his teaching. This required the hearer to engage with the message and put forth effort to glean from what He was saying.
Matthew 13:34 – Whenever Jesus addressed crowds, he always spoke in allegories. He never spoke without using parables.
Mark 4:2 – Jesus taught them many things by using parables to illustrate spiritual realities.
Matthew 13:10-12 – His disciples asked Him, why do you always speak in these hard to understand parables? Jesus explained; you have been given the intimate experience of insight into hidden truths and mysteries of the realm of heaven’s kingdom. Everyone who listens with an open heart will receive progressively more revelation.
What does teaching look like today?
We must ask ourselves how have we gotten to the current model of teaching and training that we see today. It is largely about the impartation of information rather than facilitating an experience of a dynamic spiritual reality. Even making this model more interactive doesn’t really make much difference when looking at the end result.
If teaching was the explanation of what you experience and encounter rather than the theory of Christian living, what a different place we would be in!
This shift is a difficult transition, not least for those who teach. Whilst the academic, scholarly, theological or studious element of learning and debate is not to be dismissed, it needs to become a small part of what is encompassed in teaching.
Teaching like Jesus
Where are those who impart revelation from the Spirit which cause a transformational shift and recalibration in the heart, mind and life of those listening? If you teach then let it be mostly the things which are a current, dynamic reality in your own personal life and experience and not theoretical truth.
Let’s not be stuck in an intellectual quagmire when our spirits are longing to soar. Revelation from Holy Spirit to your spirit will take you to places utterly beyond any cognitive capacity!
– Navigator Jo
—
Read also: The Performance Trap And How To Set Yourself Free
