“Tell Me The Story of Jesus” — What About His Teaching?
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
Jesus has appropriately been called the “Master Teacher.” As He brought divine instructions to the world, He imparted eternally important truths in love.
Our goal over the next several weeks is to take a closer look at the teaching of Jesus including His style, His purpose, and His ultimate goal.
People Were Astonished at Jesus’ Teaching.
When He finished His great “Sermon on the Mount,” the people were astonished (Matt. 7:28-29). The word “astonished” means to be “utterly amazed.” Perhaps they were amazed with His delivery, His style, His composure, His knowledge, or simply a combination of all the above.
However, may I suggest, that it was the content of the message coupled with the authoritative manner in which Jesus presented the sermon that made such an impact on the audience. Notice that Jesus spoke as one having “authority.” The word “authority” here means, “ruling authority.”
The way He spoke was different than the way the scribes presented sermons and lessons. In fact, the way Jesus spoke was completely unique!
At the conclusion of the “Feast of Tabernacles,” which occurred about six months before Jesus’ death, the Lord taught in Jerusalem (John 7:14). He had delivered a passionate sermon that caused people to think and ask questions. Some wondered if Jesus was “that Prophet” (John 7:40; cf. Deut. 18:15). Others wondered if He was “the Christ” (John 7:41).
The Jews could not wrap their minds around Jesus being the Messiah because He did not fit the preconceived idea of “their Messiah,” i.e. a military and political powerhouse of a ruler. The result was a division among the people (John 7:43). The statement was made, “No man ever spoke like this Man” (John 7:46). The American Standard Version renders it, “Never Man so spake.”
With the space remaining, we want to unpack that response as we think about Jesus being the Master Teacher.
Never.
First, note the word, “Never.” Throughout the sands of time, there have been remarkable, eloquent speakers and teachers. We think about the great Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Demosthenes. We consider Cicero who was the great Roman orator and Daniel Webster who is considered one of the greatest speakers in American history. As great as those speakers were, the words of Jesus are far more memorable and circulated. He taught for approximately three and one-half years, yet His Words echo throughout the halls of history and in our hearts and minds even today! From small children to seasoned scholars, the words of Jesus are as fresh and powerful now as they were when they were first spoken providing hope and joy to the world (Psa. 119:89). There has never been nor will there ever be a Teacher like Jesus!
Man.
Second, consider the title, “Man.” The Lord did not teach like an ordinary man as we noted earlier. His message was clearly from a higher source! His words have stood the test of time and will still be valid even when this world is on fire! Jesus’ teaching was divine in nature; much greater than the content a mere man could provide (John 3:31-35)!
So.
Third, recognize the adverb, “so.” This word is an adverb of manner which simply means, “in this manner.” It stresses the quality and the uniqueness of Jesus’ presentation of truth. He was the only person to exist prior to His own bodily conception thus denoting His Deity (which we stressed in the previous article about His birth) (John 1:1-3, 14). Furthermore, His speaking was authoritative and His words will be the standard on the Day of Judgment (John 12:48). Finally, He spoke with tenderness, compassion, and love so it was more than just relating facts. The way in which He revealed truth pricked the hearts and penetrated the minds of men. The same is still true today!
Spake.
Fourth and finally, examine the word, “spake.” “The verb “spake” demonstrates that the focus of the officers’ fascination was upon Christ’s words — His teaching, not His miracles” (Jackson, 4). Jesus Christ came to this world to reveal the mind of God to the world. He accomplished this through vehicles called, “words.” Jesus said this about the words that He spoke which ought to cause us to pay very close attention: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:33). Peter’s response to Jesus’ statement is noteworthy: “But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68-69).
Truly, “Never Man so spake!” Next week, we will continue our study of Jesus with an emphasis on His style of teaching.
References
Jackson, Wayne. Jesus Christ: The Master Teacher. “Never Man So Spake.” pg. 4.
Christian Courier Publications. Stockton, California. 2013. Print.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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