This is the first of 3 blogs which will concentrate on 10 teaching techniques of Jesus. Jesus displayed a diverse pedagogy when addressing diverse crowds and there is much to learn from his methods to reach a diverse culture. His teaching utilized techniques ranging from objects lessons to question/answer. These techniques allowed him to connect to his followers and address the skeptics. Let’s examine 3 of those techniques below…..
The Big Idea Technique
Mark 1:14-15 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
The focused big idea previews the central proposition of the message. Similar to a dartboard, the focused big idea is the bullseye. Every word is strategically aimed towards the proposition, the bullseye on our dartboard. Jesus focused big idea is summarized in these few words the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand repent and believe in the gospel. Jesus throughout his ministry will continue to restate in reframe the central proposition the time is fulfilled the Kingdom of God is at hand repent and believe in the gospel.It is important when stating the central proposition of any message to restate and reframe in view of the immediate audience.
However, the focused big idea in substance must remain the same while the manner in which the focused big idea is communicated will differ based upon the audience.
Jesus propositional statement communicates his intention to the audience with clarity. If an audience receives the big idea yet walks away confused the preacher will as a humble servant of the Lord, assesses the cohesiveness of his preaching to provide needed clarity.
As Christ preached to the Jews in Galilee, he secured the simplicity of his message by declaring the certainty, urgency, and plea of the gospel.Christ is connected his message to the audience. The thrust of his proclamation causes for anyone to question why repentance and belief in Christ is necessary. As he continues to proclaim the gospel the message, the prophets and the law will build unity and cohesiveness to his central proposition.
Down to Earth Application Technique
Mark 1:17 I will make you fishers of men. The down to earth application fulfills the obligation of explanation. Jesus usage of a down to earth application helps the fishermen to zero in on what Jesus requires of them. Jesus reveals his plans to incorporate fishermen into his redemptive plans for mankind. Jesus is painting a word picture that just as fisherman catch fish, Peter and the other fishermen would catch people for Jesus. In the Greek, the idea of “Catching” is to catch something alive. Fishers of men symbolizes the relationship between evangelism and discipleship.
The fish they hadn’t caught was their present interest, their present interest is an entry point that helps them understand on a different level. Jesus caught these men by reaching them at their point of their present interest. Their interest was Jesus interest, he gave their tension attention, he touched their heart. Think about what most of us would have done, “I’m not interested in you until you have interest in what I have to say”—that’s self-absorbing. When we first interest ourselves in others then people will have interest in what you have to say. We cannot expect others to cross over from their interest to ours until we have first crossed over from our interest to theirs. Jesus is awakening these men to a sense of his mission and their purpose in view of his eternal plan of redemption and glorification by using a down to earth application.
Godly Confidence Technique
Mark 1:22 “And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught as one who had authority and not as the scribes. Jesus demonstrated godly confidence in his teaching. The assuredness of his biblical content and the eminence of his nature bled into his authoritative teaching. Far removed from the uneasiness of standing before his audience, his focus was squarely upon glorifying God the Father. Though the specifics of Jesus message weren’t disclosed, his control of the message and the authority of his words moved people to amazement. God’s everlasting loves gives us confidence because from an eternal perspective the day of judgment doesn’t present a fearful expectation for God’s people. This assurance of God’s love eliminates unhealthy fear.
If unhealthy fear isn’t discerned it will contaminate our being by weakening our confident posture and assertive claim to the truth of the gospel. In Jesus there is no fear. Jesus union with the Father was a perpetual reminder that God was with him and protected him. As Jesus spoke, the perfect love of God rushed out of him and into the room. His biblical understanding led to his message clarity and his Godly confidence as the spirit led.