… the people were so enthusiastic about Jesus’ teaching (Mark 11:18b, NLT).
All through His three and a half years of ministry on earth before dying on the cross, the words and teachings of Jesus Christ always resonated in the hearts of the hearers. The Bible says that the “people were so enthusiastic” about His teachings. In another Scripture it is written that the common people heard him gladly (Matt. 12:37). Why did the people find Jesus’ teachings so good, and such a blessing?
- He was speaking the truth, and nothing but the truth. The truth about God, about life, about heaven, about hell, about eternal life. He Himself was “the truth” (John 14:6).
- His teachings were positively presented. He did not teach to condemn, but to lift, to bless and to give life (John 3:17).
- His teachings were practical and applicable. He used common illustrations that the people could relate to. The shepherd and the sheep. The housewife and the lost coin. The merchants and the monies. These were familiar and practical illustrations (Matt. 13:3).
- He taught in simplicity. He was not using high-sounding words or ivory tower language. He was not out to impress; He wanted the people to know the truth so they can be free (John 8:32, 36).
- He spoke in wisdom, the wisdom that comes from God (Matt. 13:54).
- He taught them in the power of the Holy Spirit. He was anointed from heaven, and He took His time to service that anointing and kept it current by really waiting upon the Lord in prayer, worship, study and meditations; so whenever He was to speak, He spoke with power and might (Luke 4:18).
- His teachings were always followed by specific ministration to the needs of the people. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, cast demons out and raised the dead. Teachings that were practically applied to meet the needs of the people (Acts 10:38).
Jesus is not only our Saviour and Lord, He is our Master too, showing us how to teach His word, how to minister His gospel to a world in need (Matt. 10:24). If your teachings also follow the pattern of Jesus and you teach like He did, the people will
be excited about your teachings also. However, it is not sufficient to be excited about the teachings of Christ. We must give our lives totally to Him, and embrace His teachings as the practice of our lives (Jude 13:17). Of all the great multitudes that followed Him and got excited at His teachings, only one hundred and twenty remained His true disciples, after His death and resurrection (Acts 1:15). Sad, isn’t it? It is indeed true that many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14). You should be among the few who choose to give their lives to Christ, to follow His teachings and to propagate them in wisdom all over the world (John 8:31-32). He has given us a promise to be effective at speaking His word.
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist (Luke 21:15).