Brandon Marshall has been one of the better wide receivers in the NFL throughout his career, despite not always working alongside a top quarterback. He now joins the New York Giants and two-time Super Bowl winner, Eli Manning.

Even though Marshall is a veteran of the league, he is going to a brand new offense and will experience a different style of play from his previous teams. In preparation for training camp and the upcoming season, he is diligently studying the Giants’ playbook.

Marshall recently shared on social media that he has FaceTimed with Eli, who is very familiar with the offense. Eli is willingly sharing his insight, so that Brandon can get up to speed and thrive as a receiver for the Giants.

This is a wonderful illustration of how we can approach our study and teaching of Scripture. In many ways the Bible is a “playbook” for our lives, so when people are new to it, there is great value when we come alongside to share our wisdom.

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”

It’s crucial to explain our own experiences and what we’ve learned through our study, so that we can provide clarity when a new follower of Jesus is unsure about a specific verse or book of the Bible.

When we teach or unpack the Word to another person, it also sharpens our own understanding…and challenges us to really grasp its meaning.

Colossians 3:16 (NLT) tells us, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives…”

Just as Eli is doing with Brandon, we can step up as leaders and make ourselves available. When we’re willing to help others get up to speed on the truth God has revealed in His Word, they can thrive as followers of Jesus.

In Hebrews 13:7 (ESV), we are told to “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

Today, let’s be encouraged to learn from each other and study the “playbook,” so that we can have a deeper understanding of God’s character and His redemptive plan through Jesus.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Your Word through Scripture. I pray You would show me people who can help further my understanding of truth, and as I learn and grow, I ask that You would equip me to teach others. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.