We already mentioned six principles from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus Invited Others to Talk
* Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life
* Principle #3 - Jesus Engaged His Listeners.
* Principle #4 - Jesus took Advantage of Teachable Moments.
* Principle #5 - Jesus told stories.
* Principle #6 - Jesus Spent Time with his Students
Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:
Principle #7 - Jesus Began at the Level of the Student
To the woman at the well drawing water, Jesus began with thirst and water, then proceeded to compare that water to eternal life, and then explained about the Messiah (John 4:1-26). To a group of fisherman, he spoke of becoming "fishers of men", and of leaving everything behind, including their nets to follow him. Jesus responded to His mother’s worry by explaining why He stayed in the temple (Luke 2:49). Jesus addressed the disciple's fears at his leaving by assuring them He would prepare a place for them (John 14:1-3). At the Last Supper He tempered Peter’s overconfidence by telling him what to do after failure (Luke 22:32). Rather than scolding Thomas for his religious questions, Jesus gave him the evidence he needed to believe (John 20:24-28).
Jesus always met people where they were, but he was never content to leave them there. He coaxed them into deeper levels of understanding. Depending on the person's character, He gently or boldy challenged their beliefs. He showed them additional insights and new ways of looking at things. He led them down paths with questions and on journeys of discovery. He broke down misconceptions. He challenged them to action! Jesus always began with people at the level they were at and then stretched them and gently guided them to deeper spiritual truths and action.
But to begin at the level of the student you need to put yourself in the learner's shoes, just as Jesus took on flesh and became one of us. Jesus could begin at the level of his students because he understood them. He understands our fears and doubts. He understands our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. He understood what it meant to experience hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), weariness (John 4:6), grief (John 11:35, 38) and agony (Mark 14:32-42). He sympathizes with our weaknesses and understands our temptations. (Hebrews 4:15).
In the same way we need to understand the needs of OUR students. We need to add to their basic understanding, the deeper things of God. We need to take whatever spark of faith they possess and fan it into flame. We need to take their simple trust and cultivate a courageous daily walk with God! We need to understand their needs, attitudes, temptations and characteristics. We need to address their fears, answer their doubts, gently correct their misunderstandings, and give them opportunities to discover that God truly can meet ANY need they have.
Yet in all these things we also need to give them time to grow, at their own pace, and in their own directions -- always giving them the support, encouragement and skills they need to stretch and grow -- with arms open wide to catch them when they fall.
Jesus was not concerned with just the content or his words would have been enough. He was actively involved in the life of the learner... dealing with each as an individual, and giving each what they individually needed to help them take that next step in their personal journey of faith. Based on the learner's response and readiness he guided them ever forward in their relationship with the Father.
When we begin at the level of the learner and nurture them and stretch them into a deeper understanding of God and a more committed daily walk with Him, then we are a little closer to Teaching as Jesus Taught.
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