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Teaching Like Jesus
By Mary Hammell
How does a disciple of Jesus Christ nurture and prepare other disciples to spread the gospel faithfully? Disciple-making involves teaching others what it means to follow Jesus and live according to what He and all of Scripture teach in every part of life. These truths must be communicated with understanding and accuracy, and the way they are taught can affect how clearly they are grasped and received.
Jesus Wanted His Words to Be Heard with the Heart
Jesus was deeply concerned that His disciples take His words to heart. He told Jews who had believed Him, “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 through 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 not only what He said but also how perfectly He embodied 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 power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14, 18) and promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into truth (John 16:13) and bring to remembrance all He had said (John 14:26). Through their Spirit-guided witness preserved in Scripture, disciple-makers now have authoritative truth to proclaim. Jesus displayed authority with self-control, rebuking hypocrisy (Matthew 23:3) and declaring His lordship over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8).
His strong character provides a model for every disciple-maker. Scripture calls both men and women to help others grow in Christ. Older women are specifically instructed to teach what is good and train younger women (Titus 2:3–5), while Phoebe is commended as a faithful servant of the church at Cenchrea and a helper of many (Romans 16:1–2).
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 did not 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 do not need to be professional theologians. They need to live the truth of Scripture with clarity, consistency, and compassion. Our lives do not give the gospel its power, but the way we model its truth in our daily actions, words, and relationships can commend the message and demonstrate the transforming grace of God.
Explore more from our Following Christ: The Call, the Cost, and the Character of Discipleship series, and visit our YouTube channel for more from Servants of Grace.
Footnote:
[1] Carol Kent, Becoming a Woman of Influence (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006), 27.
