6 Preaching Methods Jesus Used That You Should Too

Today’s guest post comes to us from Aaron Earls for FactsandTrends.net.

I think we can all agree that Jesus is the greatest preacher to ever walk the face of the Earth. As pastors, if there is anyone we should emulate in our preaching it is Jesus!

So how did Jesus teach?

Here are six of Jesus’ preaching methods that we can all learn from:

1. Jesus Told Stories

Jesus told countless parables. He pulled spiritual truth from everyday life. Not only did these stories make Jesus’ preaching more memorable, they also connected in much more profound way.

Think about the parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus could have proclaimed, “God loves you so much that He will welcome you back to Him no matter how far you have wandered away.” That is definitely true.

However, Jesus instead chooses to tell the story of a boy who disowned his family, partied away his inheritance, came home to beg for mercy, but was surprisingly welcomed with open arms by his father who waited daily for his return. Which is more powerful? If you want to preach like Jesus, tell stories. Lots of them. Use examples from everyday life to teach spiritual truth.

2. Jesus Shocked People

Jesus often used hyperbole. He taught using outrageous examples, exaggerations, or shocking statements that got people’s attention. These statements were not all meant to be taken literally, but they definitely got the point across.

For example, Jesus didn’t really mean we have to rip out our eyes and amputate our hands for causing us to sin, or else all Christians would be blind amputees.

He also didn’t mean that the people he spoke to literally had logs in their eyes. Jesus was simply making a very clear point. Jesus said things that shocked people and exaggerated the truth to emphasize His point.

If you want to preach like Jesus, Shock people. Exaggerate a little with your questions. Say outrageous things that aren’t meant to be literal, but grab attention and communicate the point clearly.

3. Jesus Crafted Memorable Sayings

Jesus spoke poetically. He often used catchy sayings and plays on words. This isn’t always apparent in English translations. However, in the original language, Jesus made it much easier for his listeners to remember what he said.

For example, Jesus memorably said, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.” Another great example is the Golden Rule.

If you want to preach like Jesus, craft memorable statements. Make the main point easy to remember. If your people remember the message, they will be able to take it with them wherever they go.

4. Jesus Asked Questions

Rather than tell everyone the answer right away, Jesus used the Socratic Method. He led His audience to conclusions by asking a lot of questions.

Questions are a powerful teaching method, especially when teaching a hostile crowd (like unbelievers). Questions stimulate critical thinking. Asking good questions makes the audience hungry to find the answers.

If you want to preach like Jesus, ask a lot of questions. Do not reveal the answer immediately. Help your audience use their own brains.

5. Jesus Used Object Lessons

Jesus often used object lessons to communicate to his audience. He washed the feet of the disciples to teach servant leadership. He called a little child to him to discuss childlike faith. He described unselfish giving after watching a widow drop two small coins into the temple offering.

When he told the parable of the sower, there is a good chance he was standing near a field. Visually communicated truth is far more powerful than mere stated truth. If you want to preach like Jesus, use objects lessons. Block out time in your sermon preparation to be creative. Think of ways to communicate your message visually.

6. Jesus Used Repetition

Jesus helped his audience learn His lessons by frequently repeating Himself. He taught the same major themes again and again. For example, Jesus spoke of his death and resurrection over and over again, and the disciples still didn’t get it.

Sometimes people need to hear something many times over before it fully sinks in. In addition, teachings that get repeated get remembered. If you want to preach like Jesus, repeat.

Find the main point of your message and say it again and again, and don’t be afraid to preach on important subjects more than once a year.

If you want to be a better preacher, look no further than Jesus. Tell stories, be shocking, craft memorable statements, use object lessons, and repeat.

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Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

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About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.

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