A Study of Jesus as Teacher: Insights for Campus Ministry

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine both the methods and the contents of Jesus’ teaching in order to demonstrate that his teaching is still important for contemporary Campus ministry. The study begins with an understanding of Jesus as a historical figure who communicated with his people. It follows with a discussion identifying the contexts in which Jesus was taught and in which he taught people. The Gospel of Mark is a relevant Gospel in this study since it portrays Jesus as a historical figure and reveals several features derived from both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.This study, then, examines the methods of his teaching by drawing attention to his use of parables and dialogue. While using concrete examples and telling culturally and socially appropriate stories through parables and proverbs, Jesus teaches us to keep our teaching practices from being too abstract and academic to touch people’s daily lives and experiences. As well, the study explores the contents of his teaching such as love, forgiveness, and the Reign of God. These contents are well integrated with his teaching methods. Finally, it attempts to demonstrate that Jesus was not only a teacher but also was a learner through a study of his conversation with a Syro- Phoenician woman. The study argues that Jesus ultimately reveals himself as a learner by ascribing his teaching authority only to God. Therefore, the biased image of Jesus as an omniscient teacher needs to be challenged and deconstructed. The study concludes with a claim that a reconstructed understanding of Jesus as a teacher and at the same time a learner can empower us as teachers as we seek to build an openminded and democratic University community.