For many years, I have been teaching and coaching a number of teams across North America. When our own company was growing like crazy, it became apparent at one point that it had outgrown my ability to run it. I just didn’t have any more leadership chops and I had to find a different solution. Janet and I prayed about it and we decided that I should apply to seminaries and see what would happen. In a sense, I was driven to my knees – perhaps my way got us to where we were, but it wasn’t going to get us to where we wanted to go. I needed a better model of leadership.
I have come to believe that the Bible is the greatest leadership book ever written. In fact, I learned so much in seminary that I spent almost ten years, many of them full time, learning the ways of God. Not only theologically, but also the practical side of leadership. After I earned my Doctor of Ministry degree, I actually stayed in school and earned a PhD. in Leadership and Organizational Communications. While I completed these studies to improve my own leadership, it turned out that I had many opportunities to teach others along the way. It has been a most fulfilling and rewarding second career for me.
I never thought that it would happen, but I have consulted to a number of companies who needed help in the areas of organizational dynamics, team building, executive development and behavioral communications. One of the most profound lessons I have learned about teaching is the fact that most of us do it all wrong.
In scouring the pages of the Bible, I have found certain Biblical truths that just can’t be refuted – at least I have not been successful finding fault with them. Probably the fundamental lesson that I have learned from Jesus is the fact that He never asked someone to come to Him. Jesus always went to the people that He was instructing. The woman at the well, the disciples in the boat, the call of the apostles, the Pharisees and every other example that I can think of.
Transformed to a leadership teaching lesson, Jesus always met people where they were and then escorted them safely from what they knew to what Jesus wanted them to know. Notice that He never asked anyone to take a “leap” that may be scary for them… He led them, walking beside them, step by step – and stayed with them every step of the way. What a great way to help someone improve. That has probably been the most important teaching tool I have ever encountered. And I use it every chance that I have.
Of course, Jesus was also humble, sympathetic, honest – but at times very difficult to understand. Why did he adopt this teaching method? It took extra work and He could just as easily have taken an easier approach. But Jesus had compassion and truly wanted people to be the best that they could be. I have also come to believe that God doesn’t waste anything. Our current situation is a culmination of our life experiences and helps to prepare us to our next assignment. All these events of our lives help to develop us to where we are in the kingdom of God today.
When Jesus taught, He was authentic. Compare His methods to those of the Pharisees. The ruling Sanhedrin tried to force people to believe what they were teaching. In fact, they instituted many laws that the people had to follow. You may recall that the Pharisees even accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath laws and continually tried to trip Him up. Certainly this wasn’t a great way to get people to follow.
Our verse for tonight is from the book of Matthew. It highlights the fact that Matthew had been watching Jesus teach and gives us his observations of the effectiveness of Jesus. Matthew tells us, in Matthew 7:28-29, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”
This difference in teaching styles was evident to those who were close to Jesus – His disciples. My encouragement this evening is that Jesus wants us to learn all about His ways. This includes loving in our neighbor, honoring God, becoming more like Christ as we mature in our faith and even how we approach and teach others. My prayer is that we will use the Bible for a variety of lessons that go far beyond the normal lessons that we are taught. Then, in a kinder, gentler environment, maybe we can all teach like Jesus. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…