What makes a good teacher? In higher education, we often measure teaching excellence through expertise, research output, and student evaluations. But the deeper question remains: What does it mean to teach in a way that truly transforms?
The Gospels, regardless of one’s personal beliefs, offer profound insights into effective teaching. Jesus of Nazareth, recognized as one of history’s most influential educators, modeled principles that remain relevant to faculty in higher education today. His approach was not just about conveying information—it was about engagement, challenge, and transformation.
1. Teaching Through Questions
Rather than simply delivering answers, Jesus frequently asked questions: Who do you say I am? What do you want? Why are you afraid? He invited people to think deeply, to wrestle with meaning, and to take ownership of their learning.
In higher education, the best teachers do the same. They resist the temptation to simply transmit knowledge and instead provoke inquiry, guiding students toward discovery. Good teaching is not about knowing everything—it’s about fostering curiosity and critical thought.
Practical Application:
Replace lecture-heavy sessions with Socratic questioning and discussions.
Challenge students to articulate their own perspectives rather than memorizing facts.
Encourage open-ended inquiry that extends beyond the syllabus.
2. Teaching with Stories and Analogies
Jesus often used parables—stories rich in metaphor and meaning—to illustrate complex truths. He knew that abstract ideas are best understood when grounded in relatable, real-world contexts.
In academia, we sometimes get lost in jargon and theoretical constructs, forgetting that learning sticks when it is anchored in experience and narrative.
Practical Application:
Use case studies, real-world examples, and personal anecdotes to clarify complex theories.
Encourage students to relate coursework to their own lives and experiences.
Leverage the power of storytelling to create memorable lessons.
3. Meeting Students Where They Are
Rather than expecting people to come to him, Jesus went to where people lived and worked—fields, boats, marketplaces. He adapted his teaching to their level, speaking in ways that resonated with their daily experiences.
In higher education, students come from diverse backgrounds with different levels of preparedness. The best educators recognize these differences and meet students where they are, offering both challenge and support.
Practical Application:
Use formative assessments to gauge understanding and adjust teaching accordingly.
Provide scaffolding for students who need extra support while still pushing them toward independent thought.
Make space for different learning styles—visual, experiential, discussion-based.
4. Teaching with Authority, Not Arrogance
Students respected Jesus because he taught “as one with authority, not like the scribes” (Mark 1:22). His authority didn’t come from a title—it came from deep knowledge, authenticity, and alignment between words and actions.
In higher education, authority should not be confused with power over students but rather with earned credibility. The best professors are not those who demand respect but those who inspire it through their mastery of subject matter and their commitment to truth.
Practical Application:
Be authentic—students can sense when a teacher is simply going through the motions.
Stay engaged with your field through research, reading, and continuous learning.
Model the intellectual curiosity and ethical integrity you hope to instill.
5. Cultivating Patience and Long-Term Impact
Jesus often taught knowing that his students (disciples) wouldn’t immediately grasp everything. He was patient, planting ideas that would take root over time.
Higher education isn’t just about immediate results—it’s about shaping thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers for the long haul. Some students may not realize the impact of a course or a professor until years later. The best teachers trust the process and invest in their students with a long-term vision.
Practical Application:
Don’t get discouraged if students don’t immediately “get it.” Learning is often nonlinear.
Focus on the big picture—developing thinkers, not just test-takers.
Be willing to mentor students beyond the classroom, knowing that education extends into life.
Conclusion: Teaching as a Calling
Whether one views Jesus as a religious figure or simply as a master teacher, his methods offer valuable lessons for modern educators. A good teacher is not just a subject-matter expert but a guide, a challenger, a storyteller, and a cultivator of curiosity.
In a world where higher education is increasingly transactional, the best faculty bring wisdom, patience, and depth to their teaching. They do more than pass on knowledge—they ignite transformation.
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