The Principle of Demonstration

Demonstration Defined 

The Principle of Demonstration can be explained by saying that one must set an example in the patterns and behaviors of their own life when leading other people in ministry. If one wants to see a certain type of behavior or attitude exhibited in the lives of those who follow him, then he must be willing to display these same kinds of attitudes and behaviors in his own life. People learn by example.

Demonstration Modeled in the Life of Jesus 

Jesus modeled this principle in his own life when he spent time with his disciples. He demonstrated to his disciples a life lived in submission and obedience to the Father. His disciples followed in his example. I have been taught that Jesus was a rabbi and that rabbis chose disciples or talmudim because they believed that the ones they chose had the ability and the potential to be like them. So the rabbis would set an example for their young disciples to follow and the followers would try to be just like their leader. This idea is seen in the gospels on a number of occasions. One example is when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, and Jesus prayed for them to show them a proper example. This is how “The Lord’s Prayer” came to be – by demonstration.

Another example is when the disciples did not fast. The Pharisees asked Jesus why his disciples did not fast like John’s disciples fasted, and Jesus told them that they could not fast while the bridegroom was with them. It would seem that it was customary for rabbis to have their disciples fast on occasion. However, Jesus led his disciples in this a bit differently. His disciples followed his example.

Another example of this idea is seen when Jesus is walking on the water across the lake and Peter calls out to him asking to walk to him on the water. Peter saw his rabbi walking on the water and he wanted to be just like his rabbi, so he asked Jesus to call out to him to come and follow him out of the boat and onto the water. This is yet another example of Jesus leading by demonstration. There are many other examples throughout the gospels as well.