Empower by Assisting

June 22, 2023

Scripture

Mark 6:35-44

When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”

“You give them something to eat,” he responded.

They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”

He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”

When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
1 Thessalonians 3:6

But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you.

To an upperclassman, the pre-game or pre-practice warm up can become so routine that it can practically be performed without consciously thinking about it. However, to a rookie, it might be a different story. Everything can be new to rookies, which can warrant some assistance. Oftentimes, a coach will have the upperclassmen teach the team’s routines to the rookies, which helps both groups improve.

In Mark 6, a large crowd gathered around Jesus. It becomes late in the day and people have had nothing to eat. The disciples want to send them away to get their own food, but Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples have been given the task of feeding the crowd, but they clearly need assistance. And Jesus steps in.

As you seek to Empower others in their E3 discipleship journey, begin giving away responsibilities. Challenge that person to begin the E3 process with those on their E3 Map by engaging them, starting a prayer plan, or leading a Bible study. Provide assistance along the way so that they can learn and improve. The right combination of challenge and support will cause a person to flourish. People grow when they do ministry, not just when they are ministered to.

TAKE ACTION

Assist your disciples by answering questions as they Engage and Equip others.
Co-facilitate a Huddle with your disciples and use the Discovery Bible Study method.

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