Teaching by example.
The Jews had neglected the words of Ezekiel; the prophet is now to attempt to rouse them by a fresh method, by an illustrative action. They would not attend when he told them that the trouble was coining; he is now to perform before their eyes an action illustrative of that trouble. The inhabitants of Jerusalem refused to admit that they will be sent into captivity, and it would seem that their friends in captivity were in sympathy with them in this respect, and could communicate with them. So Ezekiel packs up his goods and removes his house, as a sign of the approaching removal of the Jews into captivity. This is the most effective method of teaching.
I. WHY TEACHING BY EXAMPLE IS EFFECTIVE.
1. It is lucid. Deeds are more visible than words. Men of various languages can understand the same facts. The bold outlines of an event are more readily grasped than the floating sounds of speech.
2. It is impressive. We are struck by what we see with our own eyes tar more than by what is reported to us by others. The greatest deeds recorded in history do not produce so much impression on us as the much smaller things with which we have had personal contact; but those historic deeds are far more interesting than abstract philosophical principles.
3. It is suggestive. Deeds are more eloquent than words. They are many-sided, and every face; is capable of reflecting some truth. Titus the same illustration may convey various aspects of truth to different persons.
4. It is enduring. The memory of events remains when that of words has faded. Nothing dies so rapidly as the influence of an orator. Facts live forever, while words of preaching vanish almost as soon as they are spoken.
II. WHAT TEACHING BY EXAMPLE IS MOST EFFECTIVE.
1. That which is human. We may take illustrations from nature, and read "sermons in stones, books in the running brooks, and good in everything;" but human life is more lull of instruction—more lucid, impressive, suggestive, and enduring in its lessons. Hence the inestimable value of honest biography.
2. That which is personal to the teacher. It is good to be able to point to great examples in history. But when the preacher himself does some striking deed, his influence is far greater. Ezekiel was himself to remove in illustration of the Captivity. We can teach best by our lives.
3. That which involves self-sacrifice. Ezekiel's action was one of trouble and vexation. If our message costs us little, it may be lightly esteemed. Nothing is so impressive as the evidence of pain and cost in the effort to enlighten others. Self-denial is the most eloquent of persuasive influences. He who thus puts himself to trouble proves his sincerity, and impresses his neighbours with his own earnestness, and with the corresponding weightiness of his message.
Note: All this may be most perfectly illustrated from the gospel of Christ. Here we are taught by the facts of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Those facts are seen in the personal history of our great Teacher, and pre-eminently in his sacrifice of himself to the truth and for the benefit of the world.