You need others-Ken Blanchard said, ‘None of us is as smart as all of us.’ As much as we would like to think that we know it all, if we’re honest, each of us is painfully aware that we have blind spots and areas of inexperience. You have had experiences others haven’t had; they have had experiences you haven’t had, and when you get together, you harness your joint experience and knowledge. Jesus sent the seventy disciples out in groups of two. Why?
1) For support. ‘Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.’
2) For enlightenment. Playwright Ben Jonson said, ‘He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.’
3) For accountability. The pastor of a megachurch introduced the man who travelled with him to his audience, saying, ‘I am vulnerable to temptation, and he is my safeguard.’ You could have heard a pin drop in the crowd!
Sometimes you need comfort, and other times you need correction. It takes humility to acknowledge that, and emotional security to put it in place. Until you realise that others can help you live a fuller and better life than you could live on your own, you’re tying your own hands and limiting your potential. As long as your goal is to get ahead of others rather than work with them, your future will be short-changed. Good thinkers comprehend the power of shared thinking. They understand that when they treasure the thoughts and ideas of others, they receive the compounding results of shared thinking and achieve more than they ever could on their own. The truth is, you need others.
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According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus sent out the seventy disciples in groups of two for various reasons. The specific account is found in the Gospel of Luke, in chapter 10.
1. Wider outreach: By sending out the disciples in pairs, Jesus increased the scope and effectiveness of their ministry. They were able to cover more ground and reach more people with their message. Working in pairs allowed them to support and encourage one another, share the workload, and provide mutual accountability.
2. Witness and credibility: Sending the disciples in pairs also served as a form of witness and credibility. In Jewish tradition, the testimony of two witnesses was considered valid and reliable. By sending them out in pairs, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of testimony and reinforcing the credibility of their message. It added weight to their words and actions, making their witness more impactful.
3. Mutual support and encouragement: Working in teams provided the disciples with mutual support and encouragement. They could share their experiences, discuss their challenges, and strengthen one another’s faith. It also helped to alleviate feelings of isolation or discouragement that may arise when engaged in ministry or facing opposition.
4. Practical considerations: Sending the disciples in pairs had practical advantages as well. They could provide assistance to one another, share resources, and divide tasks. For example, one disciple could engage in conversation with individuals while the other observed and listened, allowing for better discernment and response to the needs of the people they encountered.
5. Training and discipleship: Sending the disciples in pairs was also a means of training and discipleship. Jesus intended for them to learn from one another, observe each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and develop their skills in sharing the gospel, healing the sick, and casting out demons. It provided an opportunity for mentorship and growth as they supported and learned from their fellow disciples.
Overall, sending the seventy disciples out in groups of two allowed for wider outreach, increased credibility, mutual support, practical efficiency, and facilitated their training and growth as followers of Jesus. It was a strategic approach that served multiple purposes in advancing the ministry and message of Jesus during his earthly ministry.
The book of Ecclesiastes
The book of Ecclesiastes, also known as “Qoheleth” in Hebrew, is one of the wisdom books in the Old Testament of the Bible. Traditionally, it is attributed to King Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom and authored several other biblical books, including Proverbs and Song of Solomon. However, some scholars debate the exact authorship of Ecclesiastes, and it is possible that it was written by a later author using Solomon’s name to lend authority to the text.
The book of Ecclesiastes is believed to have been written around the 3rd century BCE, during a time of political and social change in ancient Israel. It is a philosophical reflection on the meaning and purpose of life, exploring themes of wisdom, pleasure, work, and the inevitability of death.
Ecclesiastes is written as a first-person narrative, with the speaker often referring to himself as “the Preacher” or “Qoheleth.” The intended audience of the book is not explicitly stated, but it is generally understood to be a universal message meant for all people seeking wisdom and understanding.
The book begins with the famous phrase, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” setting the tone for the overarching theme of the book. The author reflects on the futility and fleeting nature of human pursuits, emphasizing that worldly achievements, wealth, and pleasures are ultimately meaningless. The Preacher explores various aspects of life, including the pursuit of wisdom, the enjoyment of food and drink, the value of work, the passage of time, and the inevitability of death.
Despite its often somber tone, Ecclesiastes offers valuable insights and lessons. It encourages readers to seek meaning and fulfillment beyond material possessions and temporary pleasures, and to recognize the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures and finding contentment in one’s work.
In the Christian Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the section known as the Wisdom Literature. It follows the book of Proverbs and precedes the Song of Solomon. In the Hebrew Bible, Ecclesiastes is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, and is known as Kohelet.
Overall, the book of Ecclesiastes presents a thought-provoking reflection on the human condition and the pursuit of meaning in a complex and often perplexing world. It continues to be studied and contemplated by scholars, theologians, and individuals seeking wisdom and guidance in navigating life’s challenges.
‘Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.’ Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV
Ken Blanchard
Ken Blanchard is an American author, speaker, and management expert known for his work in the field of leadership and organizational development. He co-authored the best-selling book “The One Minute Manager” with Spencer Johnson, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Blanchard is the co-founder of The Ken Blanchard Companies, a management training and consulting firm. He has been a prominent figure in the business world for several decades and is recognized for his practical approach to leadership and his emphasis on the importance of creating a positive work environment.
Throughout his career, Blanchard has written numerous books on leadership and management, including “Leadership and the One Minute Manager,” “The New One Minute Manager,” and “Raving Fans.” He has also developed various leadership models and frameworks, such as the Situational Leadership II (SLII) model, which focuses on adapting leadership styles to the development level of individuals.
Ken Blanchard’s work has had a significant impact on the field of management and has been widely influential in shaping modern leadership practices. He continues to be an active speaker, consultant, and advocate for effective leadership in organizations around the world.
