In what ways can we prioritize teaching others about God in our lives? Mark 6:34—The Pattern Set by the Savior “When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.” What We Notice • Compassion moved Him first, instruction followed. • He saw their spiritual hunger as urgent and acted immediately. • Teaching was not a side event; it was the central response of love. Why Teaching Others Must Rise on Our Priority List • Teaching is an act of compassion—people starve without truth. • Jesus modeled it as an immediate, non-negotiable response. • Scripture repeatedly places teaching alongside discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20). Practical Ways to Put Teaching First • Schedule it: set regular family or small-group Bible times—protect the slot like any other commitment. • Start where you are: share the day’s reading at the breakfast table, in the car, or during breaks at work. • Integrate story and doctrine: relate Bible events to everyday questions your children, friends, or coworkers raise. • Leverage technology wisely: record short devotionals, post a verse with a comment, or host an online study. • Pair action with explanation: when serving others, clearly link the service to Christ’s love and Word. • Mentor intentionally: identify one or two believers to meet with weekly, work through a book, and pray Scripture over their lives. • Guard preparation time: Jesus withdrew to pray (Mark 1:35); private study fuels public teaching. Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Call • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — “These words… you shall teach them diligently to your children…” • 2 Timothy 2:2 — “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” • Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, teaching and admonishing one another…” • Acts 5:42 — “Every day… they did not stop teaching and proclaiming Jesus as the Christ.” • James 3:1 — sober reminder that teaching carries accountability, urging careful, prayerful preparation. Aligning Priorities with Kingdom Values • Evaluate your calendar: does teaching others appear each week? • Reorient conversations: aim to weave God’s truth naturally into ordinary talk. • Celebrate growth: share testimonies when someone grasps truth—encouragement multiplies effort. • Remember the harvest: invest now, trusting God to produce fruit in His timing (Galatians 6:9). Following the Compassionate Teacher Jesus saw wandering sheep and responded by opening His mouth. By mirroring His compassion and His commitment to instruction, we honor Him and meet the deepest need of every heart around us—truth that leads to life. |
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