Based on this post, by Brandon Hilgemann

1. Jesus spoke with authority

He was able to say: “You have heard that it was said…but I say…” (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44).

The crowds were amazed because he taught as one with authority, unlike other teachers (Mark 1:22, Matthew 7:28-29).

We cannot preach on our own authority.  But we can and must rest on the authority of Christ and his word.

2. Jesus told stories

He told countless parable.  None was more memorable than that of the Prodigal Son.

‘Jesus could have taught, “God loves you so much that He will welcome you back no matter how sinful you have lived.”

‘Instead, Jesus tells the story of a boy who disowned his family, partied away his inheritance, came home to beg for mercy, but was surprisingly welcomed with open arms by his father who waited daily for his return.’

‘Which is more powerful?’

3. Jesus used shock tactics

He often employed hyperbole.  He grabbed people’s attention.  He used outrageous metaphors, like gouging out our eyes and emputating our limbs.

4. Jesus crafted memorable sayings

He used brief, catchy sayings.  He played with words.

5. Jesus asked questions

Jesus rarely (if ever!) simply told peole the answer to a question or the solution to a problem.  He asked: ‘What do you think?’  In fact, he bombarded people with questions (just as he allowed them to bombard him with questions).  In doing so, he urged them to come to their own conclusions and to ‘own’ the truth.  See Matthew 16:26, or 22:20-21.

6. Jesus used visual illustrations

He pointed to everyday objects and people and used them as lessons to communicate truth and stimulate thought.

‘He washed the feet of the disciples to teach servant leadership (John 13:3–17). He called a little child to him to discuss childlike faith (Matthew 18:1–4). He described unselfish giving after watching a widow drop two small coins into the temple offering (Mark 12:41–44). When he told the parable of the sower, there is a good chance he was standing near a field.’

7. Jesus used repetition

Repetition with variation is a powerful teaching tool.  Jesus returned to the same themes and sayings again and again.  Compare the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke).  Some people need to hear the truth repeatedly before it gains a foothold in their hearts and lives.

8. Jesus created experiences

He gave his disciples tasks.  He didn’t just tell them what to do, he sent them out to do it and to report back afterward (Luke 9:1–6, 10).

Preachers today should suggest to their hearers how they can live out the truth of God’s word.

9. Jesus practiced what he preached

Jesus didn’t just teach on prayer.  He prayed.  He didn’t just speak about loving sinners.  He had dinner with them (Matthew 9:10-12).