3 Methods Jesus Gave Us For Learning

Every time we have a group of new hires in our company, I take them through a training session to teach them about our company and what makes us tick. I cover our history and philosophy as well as our mission, vision, and core values. I also make sure to cover the six key qualities I see in those that have been successful in our company over the 40+ years we have been in business. One of these qualities is a learning attitude.

Learning Attitude

I believe it is critical for all of us as Christian business owners and leaders to have a learning attitude. I know you likely already get this, but the moment we stop learning, our influence begins to decline. When we stop learning, we begin to lose our opportunities to teach and point others to God.

I assume you know this so I will not dwell on the fact THAT we need to learn. What I would like to address today is HOW we learn (and teach). While many of you might feel you already have this part figured out, I would like to offer something you may not have considered – at least not intentionally.

How Jesus Taught

If you look at how Jesus taught, you get a model of what I am talking about. I think we can all safely assume that Jesus had an intentional plan for teaching. We can agree that He knew how the disciples would best learn and would therefore structure His teaching in a way that would maximize that, right?

So let’s take a look at how Jesus taught.

The Crowds

First, He taught the crowds. There were many examples in the gospels of Jesus teaching to the crowds. His teaching to the crowds was an integral part of His ministry. Clearly, He saw value in this form of teaching.

If that is the case, then it makes sense for us to follow His model. We should (and frequently do) learn in this setting. Our seminars and conferences use this format to communicate information to large groups at one time.

The Group

While learning and teaching in a large group like this is fine, we need to look further at how the disciples learned from Jesus so we can get a more complete picture. In doing this, we see many occasions in which Jesus took the disciples off to the side after teaching to a crowd.

In the smaller setting, He explains more to the disciples than He did to the crowd. In this more personal setting, Jesus was better able to communicate some of the more difficult ideas to the disciples. He knew there were things that the crowd could not understand or accept so he taught these ideas to the disciples in a smaller group setting.

You likely see this exact same idea carried out in small break-out groups or focused training sessions. If you have participated in these groups, then I am sure you know how much more beneficial they can be to your learning. The more personal setting allows for deeper learning and adds an amount of accountability.

Whether we are teaching or learning (or both), it is critical that we do so in smaller groups like this. Without getting into smaller groups, we are going to miss a critical part of the learning process. While some people are often afraid of the vulnerability that comes in a smaller group, I promise you that the results are worth the investment.

The Core

As we look even further at the model Jesus used to teach His disciples, we realize that He went a step further. There were times that He pulled Peter, James, and John out of the group setting and taught them in a much more intimate setting. Again, this was completely intentional on His part.

We see an example of this in Matthew 17:1-13. Jesus shared a very powerful moment with the three of them. The others were not given this opportunity. We don’t know exactly why Jesus chose these three. We don’t know all of the specific, incremental teaching He gave them. All we know is that He did teach them separately at times.

Follow His Lead

We need to follow His lead. We need to teach and learn in the more intimate setting that comes with a group of only a handful. I don’t think there is an exact number here, but the smaller the better. For me, the impact has been the greatest when in a group of 2-4.

The benefits of a group this size are incredible. Accountability is impossible in a crowd and somewhat difficult or awkward in a smaller group of 10 or greater. However, in an intimate group of two, three, or four, accountability becomes a powerful force. The same is true for transparency and confession. I could go on.

Don’t Be Afraid!

As I said before, some of you have avoided the smallest of groups. You have your reasons and they are real. I understand that. At the same time, I am strongly urging you to take the leap and go smaller. This principle is true for teaching or learning. The smaller the group, the deeper the learning and growth. Find a way to create a small group this size and you will not regret it.

Each of the three methods Jesus used are effective in their own way. I would not throw out any of them or discount their effectiveness. Just recognize that Jesus did not stop with just one of the methods. He used all three for good reasons. If He did it, then it should be good enough for us!

Where do you experience your best learning?

Have you gone “small” enough in your learning?

Are you leading your employees to go “small” as well?

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