Jesus’ Use of Object Lessons: Possible Considerations for Religious Communication

The New Testament considered Jesus an experienced communicator with diverse methods. Though they regard him for his intellect, his pedagogy is more complex than we realize. This paper will argue that Jesus uses object lessons as a significant method for adult religious education. Through nature, animals, food, and people, Jesus uses physical beings to articulate the Bible’s deepest concepts. The gospel writers show how Jesus’ embodied teaching is sensitive to both the content and context before him. Jesus used object lessons to spark wonder, initiate action, express care, and recognize human agency. This paper will discuss three passages in Mark, Luke, and John where Jesus explicitly uses an object to teach spiritual concepts. I will incorporate the work of Joel Marcus, Michael J. Gorman, Rudolf Schnackenburg, Jeff Hubbard, and Jean Piaget to propose that Jesus’ embodied teaching creates a shared experience between him and his audience.