Communication, Jesus-Style: Example

by Mark Waltenbaugh

    I've got to admit it. I'm not big on instructions. I don't really think it's an ego problem, or a male trait (at least not all the time!), it's just that I'm a "hands-on" learner. I'd much rather have one example than 1,000 pages of well planned out and formatted instructions.

    Even for those who can read and understand directions well, there's nothing like seeing something done. It simplifies the task and helps us visualize the concept. Let's face it, some things are just hard to learn unless you can see how it's done.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you and example that you should do as I have done for you.'" (John 13:3-5,12-15 NIV)

    How do you explain what it's like to be a servant to those who see you as Lord?

    How do you help students know what it's like to put yourself at the "back of the class" when you're their teacher?

    You give them an example -- perform the task in front of their eyes. Better yet, serve the ones whom you're trying to teach. The master teacher used the perfect mode of communication for the message they needed to hear: he showed them. I wonder if the disciples would have understood any other way?

    Example. Now that's communication Jesus style!

Father, thank you for sending Jesus so we could reflect on your will lived out in our world through his example. Help us to learn from the examples he left us. Use us in similar ways that others might see you in our service. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Posted: 09/24/2002
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200209/20020924_example.html

(c) 2002 Mark Waltenbaugh. Used by permission. From "The Online Devotional" mailing list. To join, send an email to <david@yourchurchcangrow.com> with the subject "SUBSCRIBE TO DEVO."

(c) 1996-2006, Heartlight, Inc.