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How Can Christian Apologists Follow the Teaching Methods of Jesus Christ to Give Effective Answers to Objections?

What Are Jesus’ Teaching Methods, and How Can They Be Applied Today?


Christian apologetics, the defense of the faith, requires wisdom in handling objections and explaining biblical truth. A key example for every apologist is Jesus Christ Himself, who provided effective answers to critics during His ministry. His approach combined knowledge of the Scriptures with practical wisdom, discernment, and love. To better understand how to follow His teaching methods, we will examine several of the techniques Jesus employed and how they apply to modern-day apologetics.


One of Jesus' primary teaching methods was asking questions to stimulate reflection and lead His listeners to a deeper understanding of the truth. For instance, in Matthew 22:41-46, when the Pharisees questioned Jesus about the greatest commandment, He responded by asking them about the Messiah's lineage: “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” (UASV). This question revealed their misunderstanding and opened their minds to the reality of His divine identity.


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Jesus also frequently used parables, which were simple stories illustrating profound spiritual truths. His parables, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), were effective because they invited listeners to reflect on their own lives and beliefs. Parables appealed to both the intellect and the conscience, revealing truth in a way that was accessible yet challenging. This method is valuable for Christian apologists today, as they can present biblical truths in a way that connects with people's everyday experiences.



How Did Jesus Use Scripture to Respond to Objections?


Jesus consistently used Scripture as the foundation of His teachings, often quoting the Old Testament to explain or defend His message. For instance, when confronted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture, saying, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). This demonstrates that the ultimate authority for believers is the Word of God, not human reasoning or opinion. Christian apologists must be deeply rooted in Scripture, using it as their primary source of truth in all discussions.


In His encounters with the religious leaders, Jesus frequently exposed their misunderstandings by appealing to the Scriptures they claimed to know so well. In Matthew 22:29, He tells the Sadducees, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” By correcting their erroneous interpretation of Scripture, Jesus demonstrated the importance of a correct understanding of God’s Word. Apologists today should follow His example by thoroughly studying Scripture and correcting misinterpretations in their conversations with others.


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Furthermore, Jesus often used a broader biblical context to clarify the truth, showing how Scripture harmonizes with itself. For example, in Luke 24:27, after His resurrection, Jesus explained to His disciples “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets” how the Scriptures pointed to Him. He demonstrated that the Bible is a unified story, and understanding one part of Scripture requires seeing how it fits with the whole. Similarly, Christian apologists must be able to explain how various passages relate to each other and form a coherent message of salvation.



How Can Apologists Address False Assumptions Like Jesus Did?


Jesus’ method of addressing false assumptions is particularly instructive for apologists. Often, those who object to the Christian faith do so based on false premises or misunderstandings of Scripture or theology. Jesus masterfully dismantled such assumptions by exposing the flaws in His opponents' thinking. One example is found in Matthew 22:23-33, where the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, posed a hypothetical scenario intended to mock the doctrine of the resurrection. Jesus replied by exposing their flawed understanding of both Scripture and the power of God: “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30, UASV).


In this encounter, Jesus revealed their lack of understanding about the nature of the resurrection, thus correcting their false assumptions. Christian apologists can follow this pattern by identifying the underlying false assumptions in objections and offering a biblically sound correction. It is essential to address not just the objection itself, but the faulty reasoning or misconceptions behind it.


For example, many objections to Christianity are based on misunderstandings of God’s nature. A common objection is, “If God is good, why is there suffering?” The apologist must gently address the false assumption that God’s goodness guarantees a life free of suffering. By explaining the biblical understanding of suffering, free will, and God’s ultimate plan for redemption (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17), the apologist can guide the objector toward a more accurate understanding of God’s character and purposes.



How Can Jesus’ Use of Analogies Be Employed in Modern Apologetics?


Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently used analogies to help His listeners grasp spiritual truths by comparing them to familiar concepts from daily life. For example, in Matthew 13, He used the analogy of seeds and soil to explain how different people respond to the Gospel message. In John 15, Jesus used the analogy of the vine and branches to describe the believer’s relationship with Him: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5, UASV).


Analogies are a powerful tool in apologetics because they help to clarify complex concepts by relating them to something more tangible or familiar. Just as Jesus used everyday items and experiences to illustrate spiritual truths, Christian apologists can use analogies that resonate with contemporary audiences. For instance, when discussing the Trinity, an apologist might compare it to the sun, which consists of the sun itself, its light, and its heat—distinct yet inseparable. While no analogy can perfectly explain the mystery of the Trinity, such comparisons can help to make the concept more understandable.


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It is important, however, to ensure that analogies do not oversimplify or misrepresent biblical truth. Apologists must be cautious to use analogies as teaching tools without distorting the doctrine being explained. Analogies should serve as starting points for further explanation, not as comprehensive representations of theological concepts.



How Did Jesus Demonstrate Love and Compassion in His Responses?


One of the most striking features of Jesus’ responses to objections was His compassion for those to whom He spoke. Even when dealing with critics or opponents, Jesus often showed great patience and love. When the rich young ruler approached Jesus with a question about eternal life, Jesus looked at him with love before offering a challenging response (Mark 10:21). Jesus’ interactions were never harsh or dismissive but aimed at leading people toward repentance and truth.


For apologists today, it is crucial to maintain this same attitude of love and compassion. It is easy to become defensive or frustrated when faced with objections, but 1 Peter 3:15 reminds believers to “always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect” (UASV). The goal of apologetics is not to win arguments but to win souls, and this requires a heart of compassion for those who are lost or confused.


This is particularly important when dealing with skeptics or those who have been hurt by the church or by false representations of Christianity. Demonstrating Christ’s love in both word and action can help break down barriers and open hearts to the truth of the Gospel. By following Jesus’ example, apologists can combine a strong defense of the faith with genuine concern for the person they are engaging.



How Can Apologists Handle Hostile Critics as Jesus Did?


Jesus often encountered hostile critics, particularly among the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. Their attempts to trap Him with tricky questions or accusations were frequent, yet Jesus consistently responded with wisdom and composure. One notable example is found in Matthew 22:15-22 when the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. They hoped to trap Him in a politically charged question that could lead to His arrest. Jesus responded with a brilliant answer: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21, UASV).


This response not only defused the situation but also taught a profound spiritual lesson about the proper relationship between worldly authority and God’s sovereignty. Jesus did not shy away from engaging with hostile critics, but He did so in a way that upheld the truth while avoiding unnecessary confrontation. For modern apologists, this example highlights the importance of responding to hostility with wisdom and calmness. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (UASV). In dealing with hostile critics, apologists should remain calm, respectful, and focused on the truth rather than getting drawn into heated arguments.


Additionally, it is important to recognize when a critic is not genuinely interested in seeking the truth. In such cases, as Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (UASV). Some objections are not raised in good faith, and apologists must exercise discernment in knowing when to continue the conversation and when to move on.



How Can Apologists Imitate Jesus’ Patience in Addressing Objections?


Jesus exhibited remarkable patience, especially when His disciples were slow to understand His teachings. In Matthew 16:9-10, after performing miracles, Jesus asked His disciples, “Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?” Even though His followers struggled to grasp the significance of His works and words, Jesus continued to teach and guide them patiently.


This same patience is required of Christian apologists. Not everyone will immediately accept or understand the answers they are given. Some may need time to process the information, while others may continue to ask questions or raise objections. Apologists must be willing to walk alongside individuals in their journey toward faith, answering their questions as they arise and trusting that God will work in their hearts in His time.


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In 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Paul advises Timothy to be patient and gentle in dealing with those who oppose the truth: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness” (UASV). Christian apologists are called to exhibit this same patient endurance, recognizing that faith is often a gradual process, and the Holy Spirit works in different ways in different individuals.



How Can Apologists Use Jesus’ Approach to Authority in Their Responses?


Jesus often demonstrated the proper use of authority in His responses, recognizing that true authority comes from God. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (UASV). He used His divine authority to teach, heal, and rebuke, always acting in accordance with the will of the Father.


Similarly, Christian apologists must recognize that their authority comes from the Word of God, not from personal wisdom or expertise. In John 7:16, Jesus said, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me” (UASV). This highlights the importance of grounding all apologetic responses in Scripture, which carries divine authority. Apologists are not called to present their own opinions but to faithfully present the truth of God’s Word.


By following Jesus’ example of humility and submission to God’s authority, apologists can offer answers that are not only intellectually compelling but also spiritually authoritative. This requires a deep commitment to studying Scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all interactions.



How Can Apologists Follow Jesus’ Example in Inviting People to Respond?


Finally, Jesus consistently invited people to respond to His message. He never forced His teachings on anyone, but He always called for a response, whether it was repentance, faith, or obedience. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (UASV). This gentle invitation to respond to the truth is a powerful model for apologists.


Apologists must recognize that their role is not to win arguments but to invite people into a relationship with Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (UASV). The goal of apologetics is not merely intellectual persuasion but the transformation of hearts and lives through the Gospel.


By following Jesus’ example in inviting a response, apologists can present the truth of Christianity with both confidence and compassion, trusting that God will work through their words to draw people to Himself.


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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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