To teach like Jesus - is that our goal? If so, do we spend enough time in His Word immersing ourselves in His pedagogy, teaching experiences, and philosophy?
One thing we would all agree on is that Jesus loved to use metaphors as a method of relating new ideas or concepts to what His listeners already knew. Jesus understood that new information is easier to grasp when it is experienced in the familiar.
One example of this is when Jesus invited Peter and Andrew to "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt 4:19). By using a metaphor and comparing fishing with the ministry of fishing for people, Jesus helped these learners understand their purpose in following Him.
Here are some examples of how Jesus used metaphors as a way of teaching about His deity.
"Jesus, the Living Word, became flesh.
Jesus, the Living Water, turned water into wine.
Jesus, the Light of the World, opened the eyes of the blind.
Jesus, the Bread of Life, fed the multitudes.
Jesus, the Great Physician, healed the sick.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gave his life for the sheep.
Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, raised the dead." (Tolbert, 2000, p87)
Metaphors, painting word pictures, and speaking within the context of the student's everyday life are ways to connect the new with the familiar. We do it in our classrooms every day, particularly within the Animated Learning phase of our lessons.
Tell us how you have been doing this recently? We would love to hear your stories.