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170
“COMEBEMYFOLLOWER”
16 Demonstrating his trust, Jesus delegated various responsibilities
to his disciples. On the two occasions when
he miraculously multiplied food and fed the crowds, he
delegated to his disciples the responsibility of distributing
the food. (Matthew 14:19; 15:36) In preparation for
his final Passover, he assigned Peter and John to go to Jerusalem
and get things ready. They took care of obtaining
the lamb, wine, unleavened bread, bitter greens, and
any other necessary items. This was no menial assignment,
for celebrating the Passover in the proper manner
was a requirement of the Mosaic Law, and Jesus had to
live up to that Law. Besides, later that evening Jesus used
the wine and the unleavened bread as important symbols
when instituting the Memorial of his death.—Matthew
26:17-19; Luke 22:8, 13.
17 Jesus saw fit to entrust his disciples with even weightier
responsibilities. As we noted earlier, he delegated to
his anointed followers on earth the important responsibility
of dispensing spiritual food. (Luke 12:42-44) Recall,
too, that he placed in the hands of his disciples the
weighty commission to preach and make disciples. (Matthew
28:18-20) Even now, though invisible and ruling
from heaven, Jesus entrusts his congregation on earth
to the care of spiritually qualified “gifts in men.”—Ephesians
4:8, 11, 12.
18 How can we follow Jesus’ example in our dealings
with others? Our showing trust and confidence in fellow
believers is an expression of our love. Let us remember
that love is positive, not negative. When others dis-
16, 17. What responsibilities did Jesus delegate to his disciples?
18-20. (a) How can we show trust and confidence in fellow believers?
(b) How can we imitate Jesus’ willingness to delegate? (c) What
will be discussed in the next chapter?