Lesson 3- The Master Teacher

“Methods”

 In Lesson 3, we are considering the methods of the Master Teacher. Our consideration comes from the example of how He trained His disciples. This chapter is not based on one specific scripture or reading and thus we will look at the general principles outlined.

“The most complete illustration of Christ’s methods as a teacher is found in His training of the twelve first disciples. (Education 84).

“In the training of His disciples the Saviour followed the system of education established at the beginning. The twelve first chosen with a few others who through ministry to their needs were from time to time connected with them, formed the family of Jesus. They were with Him in the house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. The accompanied Him on His journeys, shared His trials and hardships, and, as much as in them was, entered into His work.” (Education 84-45)

“In the Teacher sent from God all true educational work finds its center. Of this work today as verily as of the work He established eighteen hundred years ago, the Saviour speaks in the words-

‘I am the first and the last and the Living One.’

‘I am the Alpha and the Omega the beginning and the end’”. (Revelation 1:17-18, 21:6)

“In the presence of such a Teacher, of such opportunity for divine education, what worse than folly is it to seek an education apart from Him-to seek to be wise apart from Wisdom; to be true while rejecting Truth; to seek illumination apart from the Light, and existence without the Life; to turn from the Fountain of living waters, and hew out broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” (Education 83)

Aspects of Jesus’ Methods

The very methods that Christ used are the methods to be used in true education. In true education, learning comes naturally and is a part of everyday life. Day to day activities are learning opportunities.

Prayer Preparation

Bible Study/Nature Study

Outward Appearance

Taught One, A Few , or Many

Comfortable Setting

Plans/Time

Manner, Voice and Presentation

 

• Authority and Power
• Beauty
• Benevolence
• Calmness
• Carefulness
• Cheerfulness
• Compassion
• Completeness
• Courtesy
• Dignity
• Earnestness
• Friendliness
• Gentleness
• Holiness
• Humility
• Kindness
• Long Suffering
• Love
• Meekness
• Patience
• Persuasion
• Pity
• Pureness
• Refinement
• Respectfulness
• Self-denial
• Simplicity
• Sweetness
• Sympathy
• Tactfulness
• Tenderness
• Thoughtfulness
• Unassuming
• Unobtrusive
• Unselfishness

Words

Quoted Scriptures

Asked Questions

Taught Truth

God the Center

Illustrations

Repeated

Studied Countenances; Met Needs

Socialized

Attracted

Training

Avoided Dissension

Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

Christ spent the morning in prayer and meditation. It was His custom to search the scriptures daily. His study of nature taught Him to be more sensitive to others and heightened His love for music. His outward appearance was simple. When He taught, His enthusiasm was the same when He taught one person as when He taught the multitude. He taught them in a comfortable setting often having them sit on the grassy hillside. He made good use of His time. There were several aspects to His manner, voice, and presentation. He was always calm when speaking, He spoke with authority, and always in love. His words were pure and distinct and he controlled the conversation. He answered every temptation with scripture. He taught by asking questions. He always taught truth. In every theme that He presented, God was the center. He used Illustrations to make a point and to fasten the lesson into the minds of His listeners. He repeated ideas. “He did not disdain the repetition of old and familiar truths if they would serve His purpose to inculcate ideas.” He studied the countenances of others in order to know how to meet their needs. Christ socialized. He did not exclude contact with others. He attracted others with His humility. “It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His disciples.”(DA 152) Jesus used the Word to give answers; He was gentle and submissive; He use silence, patience and endurance; He did not argue; He did not get involved in subjects of dissension; He did not defend Himself; and He entered into no controversy. (Ten Principles 147). The disciples longed to sit at His feet.

It is my prayer that we will learn the methods of the Master Teacher and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to add them to our daily lives. In what way will you seek to implement these methods? Please share in the comment section below.