Lesson 9—Following Up—Empathy
LESSON 9
Principle: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”—
(Romans 12.15: Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.)
What Jesus Did
1. Watch the VIDEO, Or Read Then consider the following questions:
(Mark 6.30-34: The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all the things they had done and taught. And he said to them: “Come, you yourselves, privately into an isolated place and rest up a little.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure time even to eat a meal. So they set off in the boat for an isolated place to be by themselves. But people saw them going and many got to know it, and from all the cities they ran together on foot and got there ahead of them. Well, on getting out, he saw a large crowd, and he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things.)
a. Why were Jesus and his apostles hoping “to be by themselves”?
b. What motivated Jesus to teach the crowd?
What Do We Learn From Jesus?
2. Empathy moves us to care about people, not just about our message.
Imitate Jesus
3. Listen carefully. Allow the person to express himself. Do not interrupt him or quickly dismiss his feelings, concerns, or objections. By paying attention, you show him that you care about what he thinks.
4. Think about the interested person. Based on your conversations with him, ask yourself:
a. ‘Why does he need to hear the truth?’
b. ‘How would studying the Bible make his daily life and his future better?’
5. Share information that addresses his needs. As soon as possible, demonstrate how a Bible study can answer his questions and can help him in practical ways.
FOLLOWING UP
SEE ALSO
(Romans 10.13, 14: For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?)
(Philippians 2.3, 4: Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.)
(1 Peter 3.8: Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility.)