Among all the teachers who have ever walked this earth, Jesus stands above them all. His teaching was unlike any other—full of wisdom, love, and a deep understanding of the human heart. He spoke to both his disciples and the crowds in ways that were simple yet profound, making eternal truths clear through parables and relatable examples.
One of the greatest qualities of Jesus’ teaching was how He focused on the positive aspects of a lesson rather than merely pointing out what was wrong. This was especially true in His teaching to His disciples. A great example of this is found in Luke 14:7-11, where He tells a parable about guests choosing places at a wedding feast. At first glance, one might think the parable is about condemning pride. But Jesus’ main point is different—He wants to highlight the benefits of humility.
Rather than just warning against arrogance, Jesus teaches that a humble attitude leads to greater honour and helps a person avoid unnecessary embarrassment. He encourages people to take the lower seat, trusting that they will be lifted up at the right time. His lesson is not merely about avoiding shame but about embracing the blessing that comes with true humility.
This teaching method reflects a broader biblical approach—one that emphasises the positive rather than simply condemning the negative. A clear example of this is found in Philippians 4:8, where Paul encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This shows that positive actions stem from a mind that dwells on positive and godly things.
In contrast, Romans 7:8 presents a different perspective on the effects of the law: Paul explains that when the law forbids something, it often awakens sinful desires rather than preventing them. This illustrates how a teaching approach that merely points out errors can sometimes lead to even more struggles, especially when addressing the Church. Jesus, however, teaches in a way that inspires change by drawing attention to the blessings of right living rather than just the dangers of wrongdoing.
Jesus’ Different Approach with the Pharisees and the Masses
While Jesus used a positive approach when teaching His disciples, His method changed when addressing the Pharisees or the masses. The Pharisees, being hardened in their self-righteousness, often required strong rebukes, rather than gentle instruction (e.g. Matthew 23, where Jesus pronounces “woes” upon them). Similarly, when speaking to large crowds, Jesus sometimes used challenging or corrective language, exposing hypocrisy and urging repentance.
The Power of a Positive Approach
A positive teaching approach not only emphasises beneficial behaviours but also communicates respect and love, making learning more effective. In contrast, a negative approach is often perceived as judgmental, which can lead to rejection of the message being taught.
Research confirms the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in education. A study involving 2,536 students aged 5-12 across 151 classes found that when teachers used positive reinforcement, student’s behaviour improved by up to 30%.
On the other hand, teaching methods that focus solely on negative reinforcement or punishment can have adverse effects. They may lead students to focus on avoiding detection rather than genuinely improving, and they can create a sense of unfairness, which further hinders learning (see Reddit discussion on psychology).
Conclusion
Jesus’ approach to teaching should inspire us in the way we read and understand the Bible. He does not just tell His disciples what not to do—He shows them a better way. His words uplift, correct, and guide us towards a life that is honourable and pleasing to God.
Likewise, as we teach and share wisdom with others in our churches, let us adopt a positive encouraging approach—one that aligns with biblical principles, fosters respect, and motivates genuine growth.
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