Teachers Training

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus spent much time teaching people by using a number of parables.  Some of these He explained and left others for the audience to work out.

Jesus was the Master of getting across a message and His simple stories illustrate the kingdom of Heaven.  He teaches us the basics of how to teach and tell our lessons, stories, messages and their application.

This chapter shows that our message needs to be very clear and be repeated often.  Jesus knew that people do not listen and understand readily.  So we need to teach them by linking what they know with familiar things.  Our teaching motto needs to be: "Keep it simple, and make it fun!"  Verse 16 and 17 says:

"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.
For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see,
but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

Know the audience and their needs.  Teach lessons, stories, messages and their application aimed at meeting those needs.  Jesus always told very specific stories and teachings that were directed to the heart of those who listened to Him.  In verse 9, Jesus exclaimed:

"He who has ears, let him hear!"

Recognise teachable moments and when the audience is receptive.  Be flexible so that you can take advantage of such times and press home a relevant teaching or story.  Jesus recognised this when great crowds of people gathered (verses 1 to 3):

"Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.
Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it,
while all the people stood on the shore.  Then he told them many things in parables."

Children typically do what you do, and not always what you say and teach!   So make sure that your life is an open book that all can read.  You need to be a living example of what Jesus would have you to be.  In verse 52, Jesus said:

"Every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of Heaven
is like the owner of a house who brings out from his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

Take note of what your children understand.  Evaluate their response and adjust your teaching so as to ensure that they understand and want to respond to the message.  In verse 51, Jesus asked:

"Have you understood all these things?"  And they replied, "Yes."

God bless.