Our teaching models today are mostly about information. I have some, you don’t. I give it to you. You can do with it what you want.

Jesus did not teach that way. It was not the way of most teachers in Jesus’ time period, either. It was not just passing along information, or impressing the hearers with how smart one could be. The purpose of teaching was for hearers to be prodded to make significant change in their lives.

The teacher in Jesus’ time wanted to teach in a way that would impact the life flow of the hearer. The goal was to leave a lasting impression. Forget the notes, the recordings, the podcasts, the books for sale at the back of the room, etc.

Impact.

We automatically remember what makes a real difference in our lives. In another generation, it was where you were when John F. Kennedy was shot. In my time, I remember where I was standing when I heard the news that Ronald Reagan was shot. I know where I was when I heard the news of the space shuttle Challenger exploding. And there is 9/11.

Impact.

The secret of a great teacher is to speak words, foster experiences, get into someone’s life that leaves an impression. Jesus taught that way. He went for their hearts and habits. He left them thinking about what they were doing!

Jesus is the great Teacher. He is more than that, of course, but he is not less than that. His words impact us. We may not change, but that is up to us. We can stay the same. What we cannot do is forget.

When we live out the power of the Kingdom of God we demonstrate something that cannot be ignored. It may not be followed, but it truly cannot be ignored.