Teaching Like Christ Taught
Eight principles that define the teaching of the Master — and three ways every disciple can begin to emulate them.
Jesus Christ is the master teacher, whose methods all can emulate — even imperfectly. We have all been commanded to be teachers and witnesses of God in all places. The universal responsibility to teach is established in scripture:
D&C 88:77–78
“And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom… That ye may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God.”
Jacob 1:18–19
“We did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments.”
Eight Teaching Principles of Jesus Christ
The Master’s Method
- Knew students’ thoughts and intents — as with the woman taken in adultery, and as Ammon discerned the thoughts of Lamoni
- Discerned individual needs — customized instruction based on what each person required spiritually
- Personalized messages — adapted doctrine to each person’s circumstances and understanding level
- Taught through parables — used relatable stories so listeners could comprehend spiritual truths
- Taught with authority — spoke with power unlike the scribes, astonishing audiences (Matthew 7:29)
- Remained bold amid hostility — “neither durst they ask him any question” despite opposition
- Drew from scriptures — grounded teaching in scriptural foundation
- Taught correct doctrine — focused on God’s doctrine rather than personal interpretation
All eight of these principles appear in the ministry of Ammon as well. The Book of Mormon’s missionary accounts are not just inspiring stories — they are teaching manuals showing Christ’s methods applied by covenant disciples.
Three Ways to Become Better Teachers
1. Develop Sound Understanding
Develop sound understanding of gospel doctrines through prayer, fasting, and revelation. “And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words, many were brought before the altar of God” (Alma 17:3–5). We cannot teach what we do not know, and we cannot know by our own wisdom alone. We must seek revelation.
1 Peter 3:15
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
2. Seek Spiritual Gifts — Especially the Gift of Teaching
D&C 46:17–18 affirms that the Spirit gives the gift to teach the word of God. This is a spiritual gift to be sought and cultivated through righteousness, not merely a natural talent. We should pray specifically to be given the gift to reach the hearts of those we teach.
3. Self-Monitor Through Daily Spiritual Practice
The teacher’s life must match the teacher’s words. “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27). Self-examination, daily repentance, and humility before God are not preparation for teaching — they are the ongoing condition of a worthy teacher.
Conclusion
Remember that the Holy Ghost is real, and that revelation is real. The most important convert you will ever have may be a child sitting in your own home. The teacher who seeks to emulate the Master does not teach to perform — they teach to change lives. And when we teach by the Spirit, lives are changed — including our own.
Alma 5:45–46
“And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety? Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself.”