Leonard Theological College

Jabalpur
Subject: Introduction to Communication Studies for Christian Ministry [BMN01]
Topic: Jesus And Communication
Submitted by: Mr. J.P. Ruban
Submitted to: Mr. Abhinilesh Prakash.
Submitted on:21.01.2025.
Introduction:
The ministry of Jesus of Nazareth is often highlighted for its miraculous events, profound
teachings, and transformative messages. However, an equally significant aspect of Jesus'
ministry is how he communicated these teachings and engaged with his audience. His unique
style, characterized by parables, questions, dialogues, and metaphors, conveyed spiritual truths
and fostered deep connections with those he encountered. This essay explores the multifaceted
nature of Jesus' communication in his ministry, examining how his methods shaped his message
and resonated with contemporary practices. Throughout this exploration, references from noted
authors and theologians will be cited, illustrating the enduring impact of Jesus' communicative
approach.
The Context of Jesus’ Ministry
To understand Jesus’ communication style, it is essential to contextualize his ministry within
the socio-political and religious landscape of first-century Israel. During this period, the Jewish
people were living under Roman occupation, which influenced their daily lives, cultural
practices, and religious beliefs. Jesus’ ministry sought to address the spiritual and social needs
of a diverse audience, including the oppressed, the marginalized, and the religious elite.

As noted by N. T. Wright in Jesus and the Victory of God, Jesus perceived his role as deeply
rooted in the Jewish tradition while simultaneously challenging its interpretations, particularly
as he interacted with various social classes and religious authorities. 1 His challenges to the
existing religious norms necessitated a communication style that was both innovative and
relatable, enabling him to bridge the gap between his profound spiritual insights and the
everyday realities of his listeners.
The Use of Parables
One of the most notable features of Jesus’ communication was his use of parables—short,
illustrative stories that convey deeper spiritual truths. These narratives are designed to provoke
thought and reflection rather than provide direct answers. Robert H. Stein, in Jesus the

1
N. T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996), 511.
Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ, explains that parables were intended to illustrate
profound truths and provoke thought rather than simply instruct directly. 2
For example, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful
illustration of love and compassion across cultural and ethnic boundaries. In this parable, a
Samaritan helps a Jewish traveler who has been beaten and left for dead, directly challenging
the biases of the Jewish audience. By utilizing such inclusive storytelling, Jesus communicated
a radical message of compassion that transcended societal divisions.
The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) further exemplifies Jesus’ ability to convey
complex theological truths through simple narratives. This story illustrates themes of
forgiveness, grace, and the nature of God's love, encapsulating the core of Jesus’ message about
the kingdom of God. As noted by John J. Pilch in The Cultural World of Jesus: The Social
World of Jesus, parables allowed Jesus to speak in a way that was culturally relevant while
simultaneously inviting his listeners to wrestle with their interpretations. 3
Engaging in Dialogue

Another significant characteristic of Jesus’ communication was his inclination toward dialogue.
He often engaged individuals in conversations that revealed deeper truths and challenged their
beliefs. This method fostered a sense of intimacy and trust, making his teachings more
impactful.
A striking example is Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). In this conversation,
Jesus does not simply deliver a message; he engages Nicodemus in a thoughtful dialogue about
spiritual rebirth. Throughout this exchange, Jesus uses metaphors and questions to guide the
discussion, allowing Nicodemus to explore his faith and understanding. According to Kenneth
E. Bailey in Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels, this method
reflects the importance of relational dynamics in Middle Eastern culture, where dialogue is a
vital means of communication.4
Moreover, Jesus' discussions with various religious leaders often involved a strategic use of
questions. For example, when challenged by the Pharisees regarding the legality of healing on
the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6), Jesus does not merely assert his authority; he poses questions that
challenge their interpretations of the law. This interactive approach not only disarms his
opponents but also reveals deeper moral truths, inviting the audience to reconsider their
understanding of the law in light of compassion and mercy.

2
Robert H. Stein, Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1996),
142.
3
John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus: The Social World of Jesus (New York: Paulist Press, 1991), 45.
4
Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL:
IVP Academic, 2008), 140.
The Role of Questions in Jesus’ Communication
Questions played a critical role in Jesus' communication strategy. Rather than providing
straightforward answers, Jesus’ questions often prompted listeners to reflect deeply on their
beliefs and experiences. In Matthew 16:15, when Jesus asks his disciples, “But who do you say
that I am?”, he challenges them to articulate their understanding of his identity and mission.
This not only engages their intellect but also calls for a personal commitment to his teachings.
N. T. Wright points out that Jesus' questions were often more telling than his answers, as they
prompted his followers to explore their own faith.5 This Socratic style of conversation
cultivates an environment of inquiry and personal exploration, making the message more
relevant and relatable.
In addition, Jesus often employed rhetorical questions to emphasize critical points or to
highlight contradictions in his audience's beliefs. For instance, when confronted about his
association with sinners, Jesus answered with a question about the need for healing (Mark
2:17): "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." This approach not only deflects
the criticism but also reinforces the message of grace and inclusion central to his ministry.
Metaphorical Language
Jesus frequently used metaphorical language to communicate complex spiritual truths in
accessible ways. For example, in John 15:1-5, Jesus describes himself as the "true vine" and
his followers as the branches. This metaphor vividly illustrates the concept of abiding in him
for spiritual sustenance and growth. As noted by Craig S. Keener in The Gospel of John: A
Commentary, such imagery allows the audience to grasp abstract theological concepts more
concretely.6
The use of metaphors also extends to everyday experiences familiar to his audience. In his
Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) as a way to describe the
role of his followers in the world. This imagery not only conveys the responsibility of believers
to influence their surroundings positively but also connects with their daily realities,
emphasizing the practical implications of their faith.
Moreover, Jesus’ language was often infused with the rich symbolism of Jewish tradition,
making it resonate deeply with his audience while inviting further exploration. For example,
when he declares, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), he draws upon the Jewish symbolism of
bread as a staple food to communicate deeper spiritual nourishment. As noted by Bruce Riley
Ashford and Chris Pappalardo in Every Square Inch: An Introduction to Cultural Engagement

5
N. T. Wright, Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He
Matters (New York: HarperOne, 2011), 56.
6
Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John: A Commentary (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers,
2010), 389.
for a New Generation, the use of symbolism in Jesus’ communication captures profound truths
while grounding them in the lived experiences of his listeners. 7
Compassionate Communication
Central to Jesus’ communication style is his compassion. He often approached individuals with
empathy, recognizing their struggles and addressing their needs. The account of Jesus healing
the woman with a hemorrhage (Mark 5:25-34) illustrates this aspect of his ministry. Despite
the crowd pressing around him, Jesus stops to speak with the woman, acknowledging her pain
and restoring her dignity.
Compassionate communication fosters an environment of acceptance, allowing individuals to
feel heard and valued. As noted by David A. deSilva in The Hope of Glory: How the New
Testament Fits Together, Jesus demonstrated a profound respect for every person he
encountered, irrespective of their social status or background. 8 This approach creates a model
of communication that prioritizes connection over mere information exchange.
Furthermore, Jesus' interactions with the marginalized reveal his commitment to inclusivity.
His conversations with tax collectors, sinners, and women often defied societal norms,
emphasizing that the message of the kingdom was for everyone. His engagement with the
Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) serves as a powerful example of breaking cultural barriers. By
speaking with her, Jesus challenges prevailing prejudices and demonstrates that God’s love
extends beyond traditional boundaries.
Teaching through Interaction
A significant aspect of Jesus’ ministry was his emphasis on teaching through interaction. He
often included his disciples in conversations, encouraging them to ask questions and express
their thoughts. This participatory approach not only reinforces learning but also builds a sense
of community among his followers.
In Matthew 18:1-5, when the disciples argue over who is the greatest, Jesus uses a child as an
example to illustrate the importance of humility and childlike faith. This teaching moment
engages the disciples, prompting them to reconsider their aspirations for status and power.
According to Richard Bauckham in Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness
Testimony, this interactive method of teaching not only deepens understanding but also
cultivates a shared identity among Jesus' followers.9
Additionally, Jesus frequently invited his disciples to participate in ministry activities, such as
the feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44) and the sending out of the twelve (Matthew 10:1-15).
By involving them actively, he not only taught them about service and leadership but also

7
Bruce Riley Ashford and Chris Pappalardo, Every Square Inch: An Introduction to Cultural Engagement for a
New Generation (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2016), 88.
8
David A. deSilva, The Hope of Glory: How the New Testament Fits Together (Downers Grove, IL: IVP
Academic, 2014), 112.
9
Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony (Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 2006), 52.
empowered them to carry on his ministry. This strategy is significant as it emphasizes the
importance of experiential learning in effective communication.
Jesus' Adaptability
A distinctive feature of Jesus’ communication style is his adaptability. He tailored his message
to suit the audience, employing diverse methods that resonated with different groups. This
adaptability is especially evident in how he interacted with various social classes.
For example, when speaking to the religious elite in the temple, Jesus used authoritative
language and direct challenges. However, when addressing the marginalized or the poor, he
employed a more accessible and inclusive tone. In his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7),
Jesus speaks to a broad audience and incorporates everyday language, making his teachings
approachable for all.
As noted by Joel B. Green in The Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ adaptability demonstrates his
awareness of the varied contexts in which he operated, allowing him to impact diverse
audiences.10 This willingness to adjust his communication approach underscores a key
principle of effective communication: the importance of understanding the audience and
context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ communication in his ministry is a multifaceted and profound study of
effective messaging. His use of parables, engaging dialogues, questions, metaphorical
language, and compassionate interaction creates a rich tapestry of communication that
resonates through time. Jesus’ ability to adapt his message to different audiences while
fostering deep connections illustrates the essential principles of effective communication that
remain relevant today.
By examining Jesus’ communication style, contemporary communicators can learn valuable
lessons in empathy, adaptability, and the importance of relational dynamics. His ministry
provides a model for engaging and transformative communication, inviting individuals to
explore their beliefs, experiences, and relationships deeply. As we continue to engage in
meaningful conversations, may we draw inspiration from the teachings and practices of Jesus,
fostering genuine connections and spiritual growth in our communities.

Bibliography:
Ashford, Bruce Riley, and Chris Pappalardo. Every Square Inch: An Introduction to Cultural
Engagement for a New Generation. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2016.
Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels.
Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008.
Bauckham, Richard. Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2006.

10
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997), 373.
deSilva, David A. The Hope of Glory: How the New Testament Fits Together. Downers Grove,
IL: IVP Academic, 2014.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997.
Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers,
2010.
Pilch, John J. The Cultural World of Jesus: The Social World of Jesus. New York: Paulist Press,
1991.
Stein, Robert H. Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 1996.
Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.
Wright, N. T. Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters.
New York: HarperOne, 2011.