Responding Like Jesus: The Master Teacher’s Method
Base Texts: John 7:46; Matthew 22:16–21
Proposition: Jesus taught us to respond with wisdom, guiding people to think, investigate the Scriptures, and reach their own convictions.
Introduction
The Peerless Teacher: Throughout history, there have been many great philosophers and educators, but as the temple guards famously noted in John 7:46, "No one ever spoke the way this man does."
The Trap of Simplification: As teachers, parents, or friends, we are often tempted to answer every spiritual question with a quick "yes" or "no." While this feels efficient, it can inadvertently foster spiritual laziness. When we provide all the answers, we produce believers who lack deep convictions and instead depend entirely on the opinions of a preacher.
The Goal: Jesus did not teach this way. He didn't just give answers; He gave sight. He guided people to reason, investigate, and conclude the truth for themselves. Today, we look at how to respond like the Master.
I. Rejecting Spiritual Laziness
Jesus avoided simplistic, "fast-food" answers. He understood that true spiritual transformation happens when a person’s conscience is awakened.
• He led people toward reflection rather than mere memorization.
• He didn't impose conclusions; He provoked thought.
• The Principle: Real learning begins when a person examines the Word for themselves.
II. Responding to Encourage Reflection
(Matthew 9:14–15) When asked why His disciples didn't fast like the Pharisees, Jesus didn't give a lecture on the "rules" of fasting.
• He explained the purpose and the context of the practice.
• He used the imagery of a wedding to help them understand the "why" behind the "what."
• Result: The listeners had to evaluate their own traditions in the light of the Truth.
III. Responding with Biblical Evidence
(Matthew 11:2–6; Isaiah 35:5–6) When John the Baptist sent messengers to ask if Jesus was truly the Messiah, Jesus didn't simply say "Yes."
• He pointed to His works—the blind seeing, the lame walking—which were the direct fulfillments of Isaiah 35.
• Result: John had to connect the evidence of his eyes with the truth of the Scriptures to reach his own certain conclusion.
IV. Directing Hearts to the Scriptures
(Matthew 12:1–8; 22:29) When faced with accusations or difficult questions, Jesus frequently asked: "Have you not read...?"
• He treated the Bible as the final authority.
• He pointed out that most spiritual error stems from two things: not knowing the Scriptures and not knowing the power of God.
• The Principle: The Bible must be examined carefully before we pass judgment on a situation.
V. Using Questions to Reveal the Truth
(Matthew 12:24–27; 21:23–27) Jesus often answered a question with another question.
• This wasn't to be evasive, but to expose the incoherence of His opponents' arguments.
• By answering His questions, they often found themselves convicting their own hearts.
• Result: Truth was revealed without being forced.
VI. Resisting Superficial Demands
(Matthew 12:38–40; 16:1–3) When people demanded "signs" to prove His identity, Jesus refused to engage in sensationalism.
• He called them to discern the "signs of the times" that were already present.
• The Principle: True faith is born of understanding and revelation, not from a magic show or a spectacle.
VII. Guiding Disciples to Investigate
(Matthew 17:9–12) When the disciples were confused about the prophecy of Elijah, Jesus confirmed the Scripture but didn't give away the whole puzzle.
• He allowed them to reflect on the life and ministry of John the Baptist.
• Result: Their understanding grew through personal investigation and meditation.
VIII. Leading Without Imposition
(Matthew 22:16–21; John 18:36–37) Whether discussing taxes to Caesar or His own kingship, Jesus spoke in a way that invited the listener to draw a conclusion.
• He gave them the principles ("Render to Caesar what is Caesar's") but let them apply the truth.
• The Principle: Authority is most effective when it is understood through sincere reflection rather than forced compliance.
Practical Application
To follow Jesus' method, we must change how we interact with those seeking truth:
1. Don't Rush: Avoid the urge to give an immediate answer.
2. Guide Study: Ask, "What does the Bible say about this?" or "Where have you looked in the Word?"
3. Encourage Conviction: Allow people the space to form their own biblical convictions.
4. Remove Ego: Don't impose your personal opinions or criteria; let the Word be the final authority.
See Also
- The Snakes in the Desert: From Murmuring to Mercy
- Rejecting the Purpose of God: Don't Nullify His Counsel
- What Can We Learn from the Children of the Bible?
Conclusion
Jesus remains the Master of masters. While we will never match His perfect wisdom, we can—and should—imitate His patience and His method.
By guiding people to the Scriptures and encouraging them to reason, we aren't just giving them a "fish" for a day; we are teaching them to "fish" for a lifetime. Let us strive to form Christians who are firm, convinced, and mature—believers who know the Truth because they have searched for it and found it in the heart of God.
