Kathryn McColskey
Richard NeSmithJesus was the Master Storyteller. In emulating Christ’s techniques, and with his power, we can be used by God in changing lives in the way that we share Christ, explain the truths in God’s word, and encourage others as they strive for Christian maturity. Changing lives for Christ is the aim. By exploring how Jesus utilized teachable moments in unusual people, unusual circumstances, and unusual questions, we, too, will find greater effectiveness in our own use of teachable moments.
Unusual people
Jesus found ways to teach the disciples and others in the crowd, even when he was confronted with unusual people. Consider the New Testament story about the rich young ruler. Here was a person who had such wealth that the people in the crowd could not identify with the possessions he controlled or the power he commanded. Yet, there was not a man in the crowd who could not visualize the difficulty the rich young ruler would have in entering the kingdom of heaven when Jesus informed him it would be easier for a camel to crawl on its knees through the “after-hours” opening at the city gates than enter the kingdom of heaven trying to carry all his material possessions. Jesus used humor (visualize a spitting angry camel being forced to crawl upon its knees) and a well-known policy (that of entrance into the city after the main gates have closed) to teach an important truth to the people. As you teach, your students will be a reflection of a multitude of very different cultures, life experiences, and abilities. You must plan your lessons with illustrations that will reach all students.
Unusual circumstances
Jesus found teachable moments for the disciples, even when faced with difficult or atypical circumstances. During the wedding celebration at Cana, Jesus’ mother made a frantic plea to Him. The groom had underestimated how thirsty his guests would become at the reception. He did not want to appear to be a miser who was too cheap to throw a proper party complete with the best wine money could buy. Jesus saved the host’s reputation during an unusual occurrence and taught the disciples about trusting God to provide his very best for his people. If you teach for any length of time, some unexpected event will occur. Will your students experience such an unforgettable teaching moment? This is not likely if you are so tied to a lesson plan that you fail to seize the unusual moment.
Unusual questions
The New Testament is filled with examples of Jesus fielding unusual questions from friends, foes and fiends who plotted to trick or trap him with his responses. Jesus did not avoid unusual questions; instead, he welcomed these occurrences as teachable moments. One such example is seen in John 8:3, when Jesus, teaching in the temple courts, is interrupted by teachers of the law and Pharisees, who bring before him a woman caught in the act of adultery. They confront Jesus by asking, “In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
An even more compelling and unusual answer was given by Jesus, who said, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” Not one accuser could be found among these men. None could condemn the woman. Rather than sidestepping a tough question, Jesus found a way to equalize the woman’s situation so as to put her on a level playing field with those who initially appeared to have nothing in common with her. Out of unusual, tough questions come teachable moments. If we use Christ’s example of empathizing and drawing upon the life experiences of our students, we are able to personalize our teaching for each student just as Jesus modeled. The result is changed lives. It changed the life of the woman caught in adultery, and we have to believe it made an impression on the hypocritical accusers.
Jesus was not afraid to ask the hard question. He did not always expect a response, but he knew the value of asking a question that would cause his pupils to stop and contemplate their beliefs and positions. One Sabbath, Jesus asked a crippled man to stretch out his hand, and, with everyone watching, Jesus asked if it was right or wrong to do good on the Sabbath. His simple question challenged his pupils and their thinking. He went beyond tradition, straight to the principles of God. You must invest the time and effort to be prepared for the unusual.
Unusual people, unusual circumstances, and unusual questions are not roadblocks signaling for the effective teacher to detour. They are direction signs for the teacher to be ready and prepared, for God is about to change another life. Such “readiness” is self-defined; it is in being ready – not just with your lesson preparation, but with your personal walk with Christ. Unusual people, circumstances and questions are billboards announcing teachable moments which require personal application of God’s truths.
The strategy of capitalizing on the teachable moment really returns to the principle taught in the wine and water story. Do your part to follow the principles of God, then trust Him to take care of the rest. Do not run from the unusual; these are the moments that leave indelible marks for here and eternity.