Radiating Christ in the Classroom: Tips for Teaching from the Gospels

By Dr. Derrick Mueller

As Christian educators, you have a sacred calling to radiate Christ's love, light, and life in the classroom. Your students are not just minds being educated but souls to be nurtured, hearts to be inspired, and lives to be transformed. Your classroom is a sacred space where the gospel can be lived out, faith and learning can intersect, and students can encounter the living God.

In this article, I hope to explore practical tips and insights from the Gospels on teaching to honour Christ and inspire your students to follow Him. From Jesus' teaching methods to His interactions with His disciples, we'll delve into the biblical principles that can inform and transform your teaching practice.

Use storytelling: Jesus often used parables to teach spiritual truths (Matthew 13:3-52, Luke 15:11-32). Use narratives to make complex concepts more relatable and memorable.
Ask open-ended questions: Jesus asked questions to prompt discussion and reflection (Matthew 16:13-15, Mark 8:27-29). Encourage critical thinking and exploration by asking open-ended questions.

3. Use everyday examples: Jesus used everyday objects and situations to illustrate spiritual principles (Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 15:8-10). Use relevant, real-life examples to make abstract concepts more accessible.
4. Emphasize application over information: Jesus taught his disciples to apply spiritual principles to their lives (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49). Focus on helping students apply biblical truths to their own lives.
5. Teach with authority and humility: Jesus taught with authority, yet humbly acknowledged his dependence on God (Matthew 7:28-29, John 12:49-50). Model confident, humble teaching that believes God's sovereignty.
6. Show compassion and empathy: Jesus demonstrated compassion and empathy towards those he taught (Matthew 9:36, Mark 1:40-42). Create a safe, supportive learning environment that values students' emotional and spiritual well-being.

7. Encourage community and accountability: Jesus taught his disciples to love and serve one another (John 13:34-35, 15:12-17). Foster a sense of community and responsibility among students, encouraging them to support and learn from one another

8. Use teachable moments: Jesus seized opportunities to teach spiritual lessons in everyday situations (Matthew 17:24-27, Luke 10:25-37). Be prepared to use unexpected events or questions as teachable moments.

Teaching Tips from Jesus' Interactions with His Disciples

As teachers, we can learn valuable lessons from how Jesus taught His disciples. During His three-year ministry, Jesus invested deeply in the lives of twelve ordinary men, transforming them into extraordinary leaders who would change the course of history. By examining how Jesus taught, mentored, and discipled His followers, we can gain practical insights into effective teaching methods, relational ministry, and spiritual formation. From His use of storytelling and object lessons to His emphasis on community, prayer, and service, Jesus' approach to teaching offers a powerful model for Christian educators seeking to make a lasting impact on their students' lives.

Mentor and disciple: Jesus invested time and energy in mentoring his disciples (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 3:13-19). Consider mentoring students or colleagues, providing guidance and support as they grow.
Encourage questions and exploration: Jesus encouraged his disciples to ask questions and explore spiritual truths (Matthew 13:10-11, Mark 4:10-11). Create a safe, inquiring environment that encourages students to ask questions and seek answers.
Provide feedback and correction: Jesus offered constructive feedback and correction to his disciples (Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 8:31-33). Provide regular, specific feedback that helps students grow and improve.
Celebrate growth and progress: Jesus celebrated the growth and progress of his disciples (Matthew 10:1-4, Luke 10:1-20). Acknowledge and celebrate students' achievements and progress, no matter how small.

Incorporating these teaching tips into your practice can create a more engaging, effective, and Christ-centered learning environment. By embracing Jesus' teaching methods, prioritizing relationships, and radiating His love and light in the classroom, we can foster a truly transformative learning experience.

As you apply these principles in your teaching, remember that you are not just teaching subjects but shaping souls. You are not simply imparting knowledge—you are inspiring disciples. You are not only educating minds—you are transforming lives.

May these tips and insights from the Gospels inspire you to teach with a kingdom purpose, to reflect Christ in your classroom, and to empower your students to become the disciples, leaders, and change-makers that God has called them to be.