Jesus: Radical
Teacher
Introduction
There are many things about Jesus cluster of gifts that are impressive. Among the most impressive is Jesus the teacher. He is the master teacher.
Read Mark 4:30-32 – parable of mustard seed
1. How Jesus taught
· Others referred to him as ‘teacher’ (see Nicodemus, John 3)
· He refers to himself as teacher (Matt 26:18)
· Story of temple guards (John 7:45ff)
In the first instance, you can spot a leader because people look to be led by them. In the same way, you will want to come and listen to a teacher. That’s the litmus test.
Why did people want to listen to Jesus?
· He went to the people
· He taught to everybody, even the ‘undesirables’. He was a champion of the people.
· He was a fantastically skilled communicator who used various methods to convey his point.
1. In yer face approach
2. Irony and paradox
3. Parables - why?
· Parables are memorable
· Parables get around defences
· Parables invite responses
· Parables allow for ‘internal confrontation’
· Parables are only understood fully by seekers
2. What Jesus taught
Summed up in 4 words – ‘The
3. How effective was he?
Rankled, released or apathetic.
Books
John Drane – Jesus and the four gospels
NT Wright – Following Jesus