Every person has the potential to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s magnificent Word, and we can help them grow! We can help people by following Jesus Christ’s example of being a shepherd. He helped others grow by spending quality time with them and by teaching them the Word of God.
The loving care needed to help others grow can be likened to how a shepherd tends his sheep. Jesus Christ, by doctrine and example, learned from God how to perfectly live the principles of shepherding others. From the Old Testament, Jesus Christ would have learned of God’s desire to gather His people together and to feed, strengthen, and protect them, as a shepherd with his sheep (Ezekiel 34:11-16). Jesus Christ understood God’s heart by studying the Scriptures, and he developed the same love and care and compassion for people as his heavenly Father.
Matthew 9:36:
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
As we walk in the steps of Jesus Christ, we also can have the same heart for people; we want to help them grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Word so they can be strengthened and be guided by God’s Word. Having the right heart is where we start, but how can we actually help? How can we be a part of helping another’s growth process along? We can learn to do this by following Jesus Christ’s example.
The first example from Jesus Christ’s life we will look at is how he spent quality time with others. People need a protected environment where they are patiently loved and cared for so they can receive the Word and take time to consider it. At times Jesus gathered the disciples and took them to a quiet place, a safe haven, where he could develop close relationships with them, fellowship with them, and impart the Word to them. We see this in the Gospel of John, chapter 11.
John 11:54:
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews [Judeans]; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
We too can provide safe havens for people to receive the Word just as Jesus Christ did. Whether we are in our homes, out for a walk, or even doing fun activities, we can make sure the environment is conducive to fellowship and receiving the Word.
Another way we can help others grow in the Word is by following Jesus Christ’s example of teaching. People need knowledgeable believers in their lives to continue to feed them the Word, teaching them with patience. Jesus Christ wholeheartedly did this, providing others a steady supply of God’s strengthening words.
Mark 6:34:
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Matthew 5:1,2:
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
And he opened his mouth, and taught them….
Jesus Christ consistently taught people God’s Word so they could be strengthened by it and so they could direct their lives by it. Matthew 5 through 7 records many of Jesus’ teachings regarding godly principles and how to apply them in different aspects of life. Jesus taught his disciples about commitment, handling disagreements, marriage, prayer, keeping God first, and developing a loving relationship with God. Likewise, we can consistently and lovingly teach truths from the Word that we have learned and lived in these areas of life. With the heart of a shepherd, we can teach others to help them mature and grow in their understanding of the Word.
By having the loving care and concern for others that Jesus Christ demonstrated, we can help people grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s magnificent Word so they can be strengthened and guide their lives by it. Just as Jesus Christ did, we can do this by spending quality time with people, lovingly and patiently teaching them God’s Word. As we provide a safe haven conducive for learning and are faithful to teach, we can be those shepherds that people need. So why not reach out to someone today? Every person has the potential to grow, and we can help them!