Learning to Linger
The LEARN from Me Journey
Read First: Matthew 11:28–30, James 1:22–25
Before we continue watching Jesus through these encounters, I'd like to invite you to do something that has changed my own walk with God.
Slow down.
Not because there's something wrong with moving quickly.
But because relationships are rarely built in a hurry.
When someone becomes important to us, we make time for them.
We sit together.
We ask questions.
We listen.
We laugh.
We wonder.
We begin noticing the little things that make them who they are.
That's how friendships grow.
That's how marriages grow.
That's how families grow.
And I believe that's how our relationship with Jesus grows too.
For many years, I thought "quiet time" simply meant reading my Bible.
Now I see it differently.
Quiet time is choosing to meet with Jesus.
It is intentionally setting aside the noise.
Turning off the distractions.
Leaving the to-do list for a little while.
Quieting my own thoughts long enough to notice His.
It's not about checking a spiritual box.
It's about building a relationship.
Relationships are never one-sided.
Both people pursue one another.
Both speak.
Both listen.
Both seek to understand.
Sometimes we come to Jesus with questions.
Sometimes He gently asks us questions.
Sometimes we speak.
Sometimes we simply sit quietly and watch Him.
As we've already discovered, the Shepherd doesn't rush His sheep.
He lingers with them.
Perhaps we should linger with Him.
Several years ago, my dear friend Katie and I were discussing how adults learn best. Together we developed a simple learning routine that has shaped the way I lead, teach, and continue learning myself.
As I studied Jesus more deeply, I realized something beautiful.
The greatest Teacher who ever lived had been using this rhythm all along.
So throughout these encounters, I'd like to invite you into a simple practice I call LEARN from Me, borrowing Jesus' own invitation:
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart..."
— Matthew 11:29
L — Learn
Read the passage.
Watch Jesus.
What captures your attention?
What surprises you?
What moves His heart?
E — Explore
Slow down.
Ask questions.
Wonder why.
Read the passage again.
Notice details you missed the first time.
What might Jesus be revealing about the Father's heart?
A — Apply
James reminds us,
"Do not merely listen to the word... Do what it says."
Choose one thing you admire about Jesus.
Not ten.
Just one.
Practice it today.
Learning isn't complete until it begins changing the way we live.
R — Reflect
At the end of the day, come back.
What happened?
What did you notice?
What did God teach you?
What was difficult?
What brought joy?
Reflection helps today's lesson become tomorrow's wisdom.
N — Next Steps
Tomorrow...
Come back again.
Not because you've mastered the lesson.
But because every encounter with Jesus deepens the relationship.
The lesson may be familiar.
The application may be entirely new.
That's how the Shepherd teaches.
That's how disciples grow.
As we continue this journey together, don't worry about keeping pace with me.
Some encounters may take you ten minutes.
Others may stay with you for weeks.
That's okay.
The Shepherd knows exactly what each sheep needs.
One more thought before we begin.
James compares God's Word to a mirror.
He reminds us that it's possible to look into that mirror...
Walk away...
And forget what we saw.
I don't want that for either of us.
Let's not simply admire Jesus.
Let's become His apprentices.
Let's watch Him.
Learn from Him.
Practice what we admire.
Return tomorrow.
And little by little...
We'll discover that the One we've been watching has been quietly transforming us all along.
Welcome to the journey.
Let's learn from the greatest Teacher who ever lived.