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Teaching Like Jesus
By Mary Hammel
How does a disciple of Jesus Christ nurture and prepare other disciples to spread the gospel in a way that most accurately portrays the message? Disciple-making teaches others what it means to be a follower of Jesus—the reality of living out what Jesus and all of Scripture teach in every part of life. Jesus’ teachings must be communicated with understanding and accuracy. How one teaches these truths makes a crucial difference in what is grasped and how it is accepted.
Jesus Wanted His Words to Be Heard with the Heart
Jesus was deeply concerned with His new disciples taking His words to heart. He told new Jewish believers, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). He taught in direct, matter-of-fact statements, parables, stories, metaphors, and questions—always choosing the most fitting method for the moment. What made His teaching compelling was how He lived out the truths He taught in personal, learnable ways.
Carol Kent observes in Becoming a Woman of Influence, “Jesus’ life gives us an example of how to live, His principles for influencing lives are timeless, and more than that, they are available for us to use today.”[1] Though He may not have drawn people in by His physical appearance (Isaiah 53:2), Jesus captivated them with His speech, demeanor, character, and service. Discipleship becomes credible when it is rooted in Christlike character and truth.
Jesus Taught with His Whole Being
Jesus embodied what He taught. His authority and character left lasting impressions. He was both strong and kind, bold and compassionate, continually prioritizing people and personal interaction. He was a master teacher, uniquely effective in every situation. Most of all, He was a servant—willing to sacrifice Himself for others.
Jesus Acted with Authority and Strength of Character
Jesus knew His authority came from the Father. In John 5:19, He declared, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing.” He lived a prayerful life (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35), taught His disciples to pray (Matthew 6:9–13), and honored the Father in every word and action.
He taught in the Spirit (John 4:23–24), promised the Holy Spirit would guide believers (John 16:13), and bring to remembrance all He said (John 14:26). Jesus displayed authority with self-control, rebuking hypocrisy (Matthew 23:3) and declaring His lordship over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). His strong character provided a model for disciple-makers—men and women alike (Galatians 3:27–28). Consider Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2), a deaconess and helper, who followed Christ’s example through disciplined commitment.
Jesus Was a Man of Compassion
Over and over, Jesus demonstrated compassion. He saw people as “distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). He touched and healed a leper (Matthew 8), gently blessed children (Mark 10:13–16), and forgave a woman caught in adultery (John 8:10–11). His ministry was filled with patience, tenderness, and care for the weary and brokenhearted.
Whether He was debating the Pharisees or speaking to a child, Jesus showed what it means to disciple with compassion and calm strength.
Jesus Was a Man of Fellowship
Jesus prioritized people. He made time for fellowship and meaningful connection. He journeyed alongside others, shared meals, and opened His life to those willing to hear. He welcomed sinners (Matthew 9:11–13), touched outcasts (Matthew 8:3), taught women like Mary (Luke 10:39), and even dined with Pharisees (Luke 11:37). No one was excluded.
Teaching How to Teach
Jesus wanted His disciples to be bold: “What I tell you in the dark, say in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops” (Matthew 10:27). He said, “Everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).
He used parables and relatable stories to reach those with eyes to see and ears to hear (Matthew 13:13). His sheep would hear His voice (John 10:26–27), and disciple-makers today must be faithful to teach clearly, boldly, and lovingly.
Jesus, the Sacrificial Servant
Jesus showed His disciples how to deny themselves, glorify the Father (Matthew 16:24–27), and seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). He didn’t worry about earthly needs (Luke 12:23), treasures (Matthew 6:19), or comforts (Matthew 8:20). He trusted the Father completely. At the heart of His teaching was love—for God and neighbor (Luke 10:27).
Conclusion
Disciple-makers don’t need to be professional theologians—they need to live the truth of Scripture with clarity, consistency, and compassion. The way we model the gospel in our daily actions, words, and relationships is what gives the message power and authenticity.
Check out our series on Discipleship and our YouTube for more from Servants of Grace.
Footnote:
[1] Carol Kent. Becoming a Woman of Influence (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006), 27.
