Let's Make Disciples (5 mins.) lff lesson 20 point 4 (lmd lesson 11 point 4).
Context: During the Bible study, the publisher and student discuss point four, which highlights that Jesus is a leader who offers relief. Using Bible texts and a video about the elderly helping others after the Nepal earthquake, they analyze how the elderly imitate Jesus’ example by lovingly, humbly, and willingly caring for their brothers and sisters.
Publisher: Very good, [name]. Now we'll look at point four: “Jesus is a leader who offers relief.” To begin, let's think about something we see often. When someone has a boss or leader who demands too much and doesn't consider their feelings, how do you think they feel?
Assistant: She probably feels exhausted, pressured, and even discouraged. Some leaders are only concerned with achieving results and don't think about how others feel.
Publisher: That's true. But Jesus is very different. He doesn't treat people that way. Let's see what a loving invitation he extended to those who were going through difficulties. Can you read Matthew 11:28-30?
Assistant: Of course. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Publisher: Thank you, [name]. Based on these words, what difference do you find between Jesus and many human leaders?
Assistant: Jesus is humble and gentle. He doesn't want people to feel more burdened, but rather to find relief. He cares about them and treats them with kindness.
Publisher: Exactly. Jesus did not use his authority to make others feel inferior; rather, he helped and encouraged them. In the congregation, elders have the responsibility to care for the brothers and sisters. How do you think they can follow Jesus’ example?
Assistant: Treating everyone with love and understanding. For example, when someone is having problems, they can listen patiently and offer help. They should also be humble and not consider themselves superior to others because they have responsibilities.
Publisher: Very good. Sometimes the brothers and sisters need urgent help, for example, when a natural disaster strikes. To see how the elders demonstrate this spirit of service, let's play the following video: “The Elders’ Help After the Nepal Earthquake.”
[The video plays].
What did you think, [name]? What struck you most about the way the elders acted?
Assistant: I was impressed to see how much they cared for the brothers. They didn't just tell them what to do, but went to help them, found ways to get them food, and were attentive to their needs.
Publisher: That's right. And that way of acting is in accordance with what the Bible teaches. Let's read two texts that help us understand what is expected of elders. First, Isaiah 32:2.
Assistant: He says: “And each of them will be like a shelter from the wind, a shelter from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a parched land, like the shadow of a great rock in a dry land.”
Publisher: Thank you. Now let's read 1 Peter 5:1-3.
Assistant: Here the elders are advised to shepherd God's flock willingly, diligently, and not as if they were masters of the brethren, but by becoming examples to the flock.
Publisher: Very good. If we connect these texts with the video, we understand that elders should be like a refuge for their brothers and sisters, especially when they are going through difficult times. They are not there to impose their authority, but to care for, strengthen, and help, just as Jesus did.
How does it make you feel to know that the elderly have that responsibility and that many strive to fulfill it?
Assistant: It makes me feel safe and grateful. Knowing that there are brothers willing to help us when we go through difficulties gives us great peace of mind. And the video shows that their interest doesn't just stay in words, but translates into actions.
Publisher: That's right. And it doesn't have to be a disaster for the elderly to offer relief. They can also help in everyday situations.
For example, remembering how Jesus treated the sick, those who were sad, and those who needed guidance, what other things can the elderly do to imitate him?
Assistant: They can listen attentively when we have a concern, give us Bible-based advice, and be there for us when we need spiritual support. They can also take an interest in us and make us feel that we can approach them with confidence.
Publisher: Excellent response, [name]! That is precisely what we learn from Jesus: a good leader does not just give instructions, but takes a genuine interest in others and helps them carry their burdens. When elders act this way, they imitate Jesus and help make the congregation a place where everyone can find encouragement and relief.
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