Episode 12 | Communicating Like Jesus (Part 2 of 2)
If you’ve ever had a moment where you thought, “I know what I should say… but I don’t know how to say it,” you’re not alone.
Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have as parents, leaders, and instructors—but it’s also one of the easiest places to slip when life gets stressful.
In Episode 12 of The Tri-Star Podcast (Part 2 of 2), Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane continue the conversation with The Prestigious Initiative by looking at communication through the example of the master communicator: Jesus.
If you’d rather listen or watch instead of read, you can choose your platform here: https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/
Why “communicating like Jesus” matters (especially for families)
Part 1 of this series focused on biblical principles like wisdom before words, grace and salt, controlling the tongue, and the power of a gentle response.
In Part 2, the focus shifts from principles to examples—real moments where Jesus shows us what communication looks like when it’s anchored in truth, delivered with dignity, and timed with purpose.
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to be perfect to grow in this.
Communication is a skill. It can be practiced. It can be strengthened.
Example #1: Call people by name and speak with dignity (Luke 19:1–10)
This episode starts with the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10).
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector—rich, disliked, and viewed as a “sinner” by the crowd. He climbs a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus.
And what does Jesus do?
He looks up.
He calls him by name.
And He speaks to him with dignity.
Why using someone’s name matters
Professor Brumitt shares a simple practice we teach at Tri-Star: the three-times rule.
Use a person’s name three times:
- When they walk in
- During the interaction
- Before they leave
Why? Because one of the sweetest sounds to someone is their own name—especially when they don’t expect you to remember it.
What this means for parents
Kids are the same way.
When you call your child by name with warmth and dignity, you’re not just getting their attention—you’re building connection.
And connection changes everything.
A leadership takeaway
The crowd complained that Jesus was going to stay with a “sinful man.” But Jesus stood his ground and followed through on what He said.
That’s leadership.
Not loud. Not harsh.
Clear. Consistent. Dignified.
Example #2: Be calm, clear, and decisive in chaos (Mark 4:35–41)
Next, the conversation moves to the storm on the sea (Mark 4:35–41).
The disciples are panicking.
The boat is getting swamped.
And Jesus is sleeping.
They wake Him up: “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to die?”
Jesus stands up and says:
“Silence. Be still.”
And the storm stops.
Calm presence is contagious
One of the biggest takeaways here is that Jesus isn’t thrown off by the chaos.
He’s clear.
He’s decisive.
He’s calm.
And that calmness transfers.
If you’ve ever had a boss, coach, or parent who “flies off the handle” when things get tense, you know it makes everything worse.
But when the leader stays calm, it steadies everyone else.
Want to listen to this part instead of reading?
A parenting moment you’ll recognize
Professor Brumitt shares a simple example:
If you’re stressed about bills and life pressures, and your child spills milk… it’s easy to overreact.
But the milk isn’t the real problem.
The real problem is what’s happening inside you.
The challenge is learning to stay calm in the chaos—so you don’t take the storm out on the people you love.
A practical Tri-Star connection: “tie your belt” focus
The Prestigious Initiative shares a powerful mental model:
When you tie your belt, you step into “karate mode.”
What’s outside stays outside.
That kind of compartmentalization helps leaders and parents show up with clarity—even when life is loud.
Example #3: Use words to restore and heal (John 21:15–17)
The third example is one of the most emotional: Jesus and Peter (John 21:15–17).
Jesus asks Peter three times:
“Do you love me?”
Peter is grieved by it.
But the repetition is the point.
Why three times matters
Professor Brumitt connects this to what happened earlier:
Peter denied Jesus three times.
So Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to reaffirm love and rebuild what was broken.
This is communication that heals.
Not rushed.
Not wasted.
Purposeful.
The right words at the right moment
A key line from the episode:
It’s not just the right words—it’s the right words at the right moment.
Sometimes silence is needed to cool down.
But silence doesn’t repair.
At some point, the conversation has to happen if you want restoration.
A practical family verse: Ephesians 4:29
The episode brings it home with a verse every parent should keep close:
Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
Professor Brumitt adds a key phrase from the fuller idea:
“…according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
One child isn’t the same as another
Even in the same family, kids are different.
What motivates one child won’t motivate another.
What corrects one child might crush another.
So the goal isn’t “say the same thing to every kid.”
The goal is: build them up according to what they need.
Words that shape identity
The episode also gives a sobering reminder:
Words don’t just correct behavior.
They shape identity.
A frustrated “What are you, stupid?” can become a label a child carries for years.
That’s why this matters.
A powerful analogy: kids as marble, not clay
Toward the end, Professor Brumitt shares an analogy that sticks:
Kids aren’t just clay we shape.
They’re like a block of marble.
The finished masterpiece is already inside.
Our job is to carefully chisel away what doesn’t belong—without chiseling too much.
And eventually, we hand them the chisel.
A simple challenge for this week
Pick one verse or one idea from this episode and practice it on purpose:
- Use your child’s name and speak with dignity.
- Stay calm and clear when the “storm” hits.
- Have the hard conversation that restores.
- Speak what builds up—according to their needs.
And if you want to go even more practical, Professor Brumitt mentions a free guide:
“100 Phrases That Transform Chaos Into Connection.”
If you’d like a copy, reach out to the studio and we’ll get it to you.
Listen or watch Episode 12 here (choose your platform): https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/
New episodes drop every Wednesday.