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1. Examining
the Scriptures
Daily
2011

2. Examining
the Scriptures
Daily
2011
Name

3. Examining
the Scriptures
Daily
2011
˘ 2010
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
All Rights Reserved
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of New York, Inc.
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of a worldwide Bible educational work
supported by voluntary donations.
Examining the Scriptures Daily—2011
English (es11-E)
Made in the United States of America

4. Examining the Scriptures Daily
Foreword
“Good morning!” This cheerful greeting is
heard around the world countless times each day.
In whatever form or language, it is usually the first
thing said to family members on awakening or to
others we meet later on. It seems to say: “Hello,
it’s good to see you. Hope you have a nice day.” For
most people, however, it is just an expression. In
fact, when greeted with the words “good morning,”
one individual would often say, “Let’s make it so.”
But what would make a morning “good”?
Some feel that starting the day with a nourish-
ing breakfast is most important. Others equate a
good day with feeling well and being energetic.
Weather conditions can also be a significant factor
in our outlook. To many, having a good day is just
being able to get started and satisfy their needs.
Those needs, however, include more than food,
clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities. When
tempted by the Devil to turn stones into bread, Je-
sus said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but
on every utterance coming forth through Jeho-
vah’s mouth.” (Matt. 4:4) Yes, we have another ba-
sic need to care for if we truly want to be happy.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made mention
of it when he said: “Happy are those conscious of
their spiritual need.” (Matt. 5:3) Happiness is pos-
sible because that need can be satisfied through an
understanding of God’s written Word, the Bible.
For many, that spiritual need comes to the sur-
face when they ask: ‘Why are we here? What is the
purpose of life?’ The answer becomes clear when

5. they are helped to realize that rather than evolv-
ing from lower life-forms, man was created by a
loving God. Moreover, we were formed “in God’s
image,” mirroring some of his qualities. (Gen. 1:27;
Deut. 32:4; Job 12:13; Isa. 40:26; 1 John 4:8) Jeho-
vah created us not only with physical needs but
also with a spiritual need. We have an innate desire
to know and worship God. (Rev. 4:11) By studying
the Bible, we learn spiritual truths—facts about
God, his standards, and his purpose for mankind.
What we learn is for our good because Jehovah
teaches us the best way of life.—Isa. 48:17; Luke
11:28.
Just as our body needs to be sustained regu-
larly with physical food, our spirituality must be
nourished regularly. Even though we have learned
many spiritual truths, our imperfect minds tend to
forget. We become engrossed in the daily concerns
of life. We are bombarded by the propaganda of
Satan’s system of things. But the inspired Word
of God can teach us, reprove us when necessary,
set matters straight, and keep us “fully compe-
tent, completely equipped for every good work.”
—2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
How important, then, daily reminders from the
Bible are! That is why this publication, the 2011
edition of Examining the Scriptures Daily, is pro-
duced. In it you will find a Scripture text with com-
ments for each day of the year. These daily gems
will remind you of the truths you cherish, of the
need to stay spiritually awake, and of the way
you can please God. (1 Thess. 5:6) The brevity of
the printed comments makes it possible to review
them in just a few minutes. Many do this in the
morning, either by themselves or with their family
at the breakfast table. If you begin each day in this
way, it will truly be a good start to the day.

6. 2011 Yeartext
“Take refuge in the name of Jehovah.”
—Zeph. 3:12.
On January 12, 2010, the Haitian city of Port-au-
Prince was struck by a devastating earthquake with a mag-
nitude of 7.0. Many buildings collapsed, including hos-
pitals, schools, the headquarters of the United Nations
mission, and sections of the presidential palace. More than
225,000 deaths resulted. Not knowing where to go for ref-
uge, people poured into the streets and for weeks after-
ward camped in any open areas they could find. This
proved wise, as aftershocks rocked the city, including one
of 6.1 magnitude that occurred on January 20.
The best place to seek refuge is always a question
when a calamity strikes. Should one stay put or move?
What location will prove safest? Who can be turned to for
help? Decisions are easier when just a relatively small area
is affected. But what if the calamity is widespread, even
global?
Those who think that a global calamity is far-fetched
need to consider the Flood and Jesus’ warning: “Just as the
days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will
be.” And did not Jesus say that unless the great tribulation
was cut short, “no flesh would be saved”?—Matt. 24:22, 37.
Also of note is the prophetic account in Revelation
chapter 16. In verse 14, we learn that demonic expressions
“go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gath-
er them together to the war of the great day of God the Al-
mighty.” The prophecy goes on to relate that “a great
earthquake occurred such as had not occurred since men
came to be on the earth, so extensive an earthquake, so
great.” (Rev. 16:18) While those statements are symbolic in
nature, they do indicate that destructive events of global
proportions are coming and that there is a great need to
seek a place of refuge. And Jehovah has promised such ref-
uge for those who seek him in true faith.—Zeph. 1:14, 15,
18; 2:2, 3.
Even now, before those foretold events occur, there is
a need to find refuge. Why? After foretelling the Devil’s

7. defeat and his ouster from heaven at the time of the King-
dom’s birth in 1914, the Bible relates that Satan—full of
wrath and confined to the vicinity of the earth—goes off
to wage war with those “who observe the commandments
of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.”
—Rev. 12:17.
A powerful, invisible enemy who is aware of our per-
sonal weaknesses is a fearsome foe indeed. But there are
those who are more powerful than Satan, foremost of
whom is Jehovah God. What better stronghold, what bet-
ter place of refuge, could there be than in the protec-
tion of the Almighty One himself? With inspired wisdom,
King Solomon wrote: “The name of Jehovah is a strong
tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.”
—Prov. 18:10.
The Hebrew prophet Joel cited the saving power of Je-
hovah’s name when he wrote: “Everyone who calls on the
name of Jehovah will get away safe.” (Joel 2:32) The apos-
tle Peter confirmed this when the Christian congregation
was founded on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. Peter said:
“Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”
(Acts 2:21) Years later, the apostle Paul made the same
point. (Rom. 10:13) Today, it is Jehovah God in whom we
too must find refuge. He will prove to be our unconquer-
able stronghold!
As the name Jehovah (meaning “He Causes To Be-
come”) implies, God will prove to be whatever is needed in
any circumstances. He will do so for the sake of his people
and in line with his purpose. Jehovah can meet any chal-
lenge successfully. There is no greater refuge in these
trialsome times. It is with this in mind that the Governing
Body has chosen as the yeartext for 2011 these words found
at Zephaniah 3:12: “Take refuge in the name of Jehovah.”
DAILY TEXTS AND COMMENTS
In the following pages, you will find a Scripture text
for each day and comments on that text. The comments
are taken from the Watchtower (w) issues of April 2009 to
March 2010. Figures following the date of the Watchtower is-
sue refer to the number, in order, of each study article (1, 2,
3, 4, or 5) appearing in that issue, followed by the para-
graphs where further comments may be found.

8. Saturday, January 1 mandments. (John 14:15) Like
Jesus, his disciples displayed
All those desiring to live with
deep love and affection for those
godly devotion in association to whom they preached. En-
with Christ Jesus will also be during persecution and risking
persecuted.—2 Tim. 3:12. death, they ministered to oth-
What precious knowledge we ers and succeeded in preach-
as Jehovah’s servants have! Yes, ing the good news. What affec-
we understand who is to blame tion they felt for those whom they
for deteriorating world condi- helped spiritually! Touching in-
tions. Do we not, then, feel im- deed are the words of the apos-
pelled to share in the field min- tle Paul, who wrote: “Having a
istry so as to inform people of tender affection for you, we were
the identity of the chief trou- well pleased to impart to you, not
blemaker? And are we not hap- only the good news of God, but
py to stand up for the true God, also our own souls, because you
Jehovah, and to explain to oth- became beloved to us.”—1 Thess.
ers how he will put an end to Sa- 2:8. w09 7/15 3:16, 17
tan and to mankind’s woes? Sa-
tan is responsible not only for Monday, January 3
many of the world’s sorrows but [Jesus] cured all who were far-
also for the opposition that God’s ing badly.—Matt. 8:16.
people experience. He is deter-
mined to put us to the test. Jesus Practically everyone must face
Christ told the apostle Peter: “Si- health problems, either his own
mon, Simon, look! Satan has de- or those of family members. Je-
manded to have you men to sift sus’ mental attitude toward the
you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31) Simi- sick serves as an example for us.
larly, each of us who follows in His love moved him to feel pity
Jesus’ footsteps will experience for them and he cured them. To-
trials in some way or other. Peter day, Christians do not have Je-
compared the Devil to “a roaring sus’ miraculous power to heal,
lion, seeking to devour someone.” but they do share Jesus’ com-
—1 Pet. 5:8. w09 4/15 2:5, 6 passionate attitude toward the
sick. May we also strive to treat
Sunday, January 2 others kindly, even when their
We became gentle in the midst imperfections and weaknesses
come to the fore. Let us coura-
of you.—1 Thess. 2:7. geously obey all of Jehovah’s re-
Jesus was patient and under- quirements, even in the face of
standing. When his disciples trials. Finally, let us show Christ-
needed correction, he offered like love to all our brothers, as
it with love. (Mark 9:33-37) He Christ himself did, “to the end.”
encouraged them by expressing Such love identifies us as Jesus’
confidence that they would be true followers. (John 13:1, 34, 35)
effective preachers of the good Yes, “let your brotherly love con-
news. No man has ever been a tinue.” (Heb. 13:1) Do not hold
more loving teacher than Jesus. back! Use your life to praise Jeho-
The love he showed to his disci- vah and to help others! Jehovah
ples impelled them to love him will bless your sincere efforts.
in return and to keep his com- w09 9/15 3:16, 17, 19, 20

9. Tuesday, January 4 treasures that Jehovah urges his
worshippers to seek. Among such
Safeguard your heart. treasures is “the fear of Jeho-
—Prov. 4:23. vah,” which can be a protection
In the complex world in which and a safeguard for us in these
we live, many decisions need to perilous times. Finding “the very
be made that involve our obe- knowledge of God” can lead to
dience to God. How can we be the greatest honor any human
sure that these decisions are in can have—a close personal rela-
harmony with God’s will? Jeho- tionship with the Most High. And
vah has given us a gift that can with the treasures of God-given
help us greatly in this matter of wisdom, knowledge, and discern-
obedience. It is the conscience. ment, we will be able to deal suc-
What is the conscience? It is a cessfully with problems and is-
special kind of self-awareness. It sues in our daily life.—Prov. 9:10,
11. w09 7/15 1:1-3
acts like an internal judge, en-
abling us to look at the choices we Thursday, January 6
face in life or to reflect on the
actions we have already taken The kingdom of God will be
and to evaluate them as to good taken from you and be given to
or bad, right or wrong. (Rom. 2: a nation producing its fruits.
14, 15) The conscience, however, —Matt. 21:43.
has its limitations. For example,
Jehovah spoke of his people,
if we were to give the desires of
the ancient nation of Israel, as a
our heart too much prominence, collective servant. “ ‘You [plural]
our selfish tendencies might well are my witnesses [plural],’ is the
distort the conscience. (Jer. 17:9) utterance of Jehovah, ‘even my
If we do not rely on the sure, servant [singular] whom I have
unchanging guidance of God’s chosen.’ ” (Isa. 43:10) All mem-
Word, the Bible, our conscience bers of the nation were included
might be nearly useless.—Ps. in that one servant class. How-
119:105. w09 8/15 4:6, 8 ever, it is important to note that
only the priests together with
Wednesday, January 5 the nonpriestly Levites were re-
The fear of Jehovah is pure, sponsible for teaching the nation.
standing forever.—Ps. 19:9. (2 Chron. 35:3; Mal. 2:7) Was the
nation of Israel the slave about
Discoveries of hidden treasures whom Jesus spoke in Matthew 24:
have often made headline news. 45? No. We know that from the
Some finds may have historical words of today’s text, which Je-
or artistic value, but they usual- sus said to the Jews of his day.
ly have little or no effect on our Clearly, a change was to occur.
day-to-day life. However, God’s Jehovah would use a new nation.
Word invites us to search for trea- Nevertheless, when it comes to
sures that truly affect us. The in- spiritual instruction, the work
vitation is open to everyone, and of the slave in Jesus’ illustration
the reward is worth far more than does follow a pattern similar to
any material treasure. (Prov. 2: that of God’s “servant” in ancient
1-6) Consider the value of the Israel. w09 6/15 4:4, 5

10. Friday, January 7 gel coming down out of heaven
with the key of the abyss and
Keep yourselves clean. a great chain in his hand.” This
—Isa. 52:11. is none other than the archangel
Many years before Isaiah wrote Michael, who will bind the Devil
the above words, good King Asa and hurl him—and evidently the
vigorously pursued a campaign demons—into the abyss. They
to root out immorality in Ju- will be released briefly at the end
dah. (1 Ki. 15:11-13) And centu- of Christ’s Millennial Reign when
ries later, the apostle Paul told perfect mankind will experience
Titus that Jesus gave himself a final test. Thereafter, Satan
to cleanse his followers to make and all other rebels will suffer de-
them “a people peculiarly his struction. (Rev. 20:1-3, 7-10) All
own, zealous for fine works.” (Ti- rebellion against God will have
been removed. w09 5/15 3:20, 21
tus 2:14) In today’s vice-ridden
society, it is not easy—especial- Sunday, January 9
ly for youths—to keep morally
clean. For instance, all of God’s He went journeying from city
servants, young and old alike, to city and from village to vil-
must battle to keep free from lage, preaching and declaring
the contamination of pornog- the good news of the kingdom of
raphy that is displayed on bill- God.—Luke 8:1.
boards, on the TV screen, in
A good teacher makes his stu-
films, and particularly on the In-
dents feel comfortable so that
ternet. Our zeal in heeding God’s
they are eager to involve them-
warnings can help us to develop a
selves in what they are learning
hatred for what is bad. (Ps. 97: and are happy to express them-
10; Rom. 12:9) We need to abhor selves. A loving teacher imparts
pornography in order to “break knowledge because he genuinely
free from its powerful, magnetic cares for his students. He adapts
pull,” as one Christian expressed his teaching to their needs and
it. w09 6/15 2:14, 15 their level of understanding.
He is sensitive to the abilities
Saturday, January 8 and circumstances of his stu-
The Devil has been sinning from dents. When teachers have such
the beginning.—1 John 3:8. love, students will discern it, and
teaching and learning are enjoy-
“At the revelation of the Lord able. Jesus showed that kind of
Jesus from heaven with his pow- love. His greatest expression of
erful angels,” all “who do not love was to surrender his perfect
know God and those who do not human life so that others might
obey the good news about our be saved. (John 15:13) During his
Lord Jesus” will be destroyed. ministry, Jesus tirelessly cared
(2 Thess. 1:6-10) When John saw for people physically and espe-
that same event in vision, he cially spiritually. Rather than ex-
described Jesus and the angel- pecting people to come to him,
ic heavenly armies as going forth he traveled hundreds of miles on
on white horses in order to car- foot to share the good news with
ry on war in righteousness. (Rev. them.—Matt. 4:23-25. w09 7/15 3:
19:11-14) John also “saw an an- 15, 16

11. Monday, January 10 know Jehovah. (Ps. 77:12) A very
fine way to become even more
The zeal for your house will eat
intimately acquainted with Je-
me up.—John 2:17. hovah is to follow the Christ.
In Jerusalem at the temple in Just think of the glory Jesus
the Court of the Gentiles, Je- had alongside his Father “before
sus discovers “those selling cat- the world was”! (John 17:5) He is
tle and sheep and doves and the “the beginning of the creation by
money brokers in their seats.” God.” (Rev. 3:14) As “the first-
Brandishing a whip made of born of all creation,” he lived for
ropes, he drives out all the an- aeons in heaven with his Father,
imals. Jesus also pours out the Jehovah. (Col. 1:15) During his
coins of the money changers and prehuman existence, Jesus did
overturns their tables. He orders more than just spend time with
those selling doves to take what his Father. He was God’s person-
they have and leave. (John 2:13- al companion. w09 5/15 4:3, 4
16) Jesus’ actions relate direct-
ly to his concern for the temple. Wednesday, January 12
“Stop making the house of my God gave us not a spirit of cow-
Father a house of merchandise!” ardice, but that of power and of
he commands. As Jesus’ disci- love and of soundness of mind.
ples observe these events, they —2 Tim. 1:7.
recall the words penned centu-
ries earlier by the psalmist Da- “Soundness of mind” involves
vid: “The zeal for your house will being able to think and reason
eat me up.” (John 2:16, 17; Ps. sensibly. It includes the ability
69:9) In this 21st century, over to face things as they are—not
seven million Christians manifest the way you would like them to
concern for God’s house. Individ- be. Some immature youths man-
ually, we may ask, ‘How can I in- ifest a spirit of cowardice and
crease my personal zeal for Jeho- mentally try to escape stressful
vah’s house?’ w09 6/15 1:1-3 situations by resorting to exces-
sive sleep or TV viewing, drug
Tuesday, January 11 or alcohol abuse, constant party-
[God] is not far off from each ing, or sexual immorality. Chris-
one of us.—Acts 17:27. tians are admonished “to repu-
diate ungodliness and worldly
We can seek God and really desires and to live with sound-
come to know him. For example, ness of mind and righteousness
the book of creation speaks vol- and godly devotion amid this
umes about God’s qualities and present system of things.” (Titus
abilities. Appreciatively reflect- 2:12) The Bible exhorts “youn-
ing on his creative works can ger men to be sound in mind.”
teach us a great deal about the (Titus 2:6) Heeding this counsel
Creator. (Rom. 1:20) Jehovah has means that you will face prob-
also revealed details about him- lems prayerfully and will rely on
self in his written Word, the Bi- God-given strength. (1 Pet. 4:7)
ble. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) The more Thus, you will develop confidence
we ‘meditate on his activity’ and in “the strength that God sup-
‘concern ourselves with his deal- plies.”—1 Pet. 4:11. w09 5/15 2:
ings,’ the better we can get to 9, 10

12. Thursday, January 13 The narrative opens our eyes
to events of far-reaching impor-
He went forth conquering and
tance that occurred in heaven
to complete his conquest. and underscores the paramount
—Rev. 6:2. issue of God’s universal sover-
Like D avid, Jesus is a con- eignty. The account of Job also
quering king. Shortly after he deepens our understanding of
was installed as King of God’s what is involved in keeping integ-
Kingdom, he conquered Satan in rity and helps us to grasp why Je-
battle and hurled him and his de- hovah sometimes allows his ser-
mons down to the earth. (Rev. 12: vants to suffer. Furthermore, the
7-9) His victorious ride will con- book of Job identifies Satan the
tinue until he will “complete his Devil as Jehovah’s chief Adver-
conquest,” completely destroying sary and mankind’s enemy. The
Satan’s wicked system. (Rev. 19: book also shows that imperfect
11, 19-21) Like David, though, Je- humans like Job can remain loyal
sus is a compassionate king, and to Jehovah despite intense test-
he will protect the “great crowd” ing. w09 4/15 1:1, 2
through Armageddon. (Rev. 7:9,
14) Furthermore, under the rule Saturday, January 15
of Jesus and his joint heirs, the
The creation itself also will be
resurrected 144,000, there will be
“a resurrection of both the righ- set free from enslavement to
teous and the unrighteous.” (Acts corruption and have the glori-
24:15) Those who are resurrected ous freedom of the children of
on earth will have the prospect God.—Rom. 8:21.
of living forever. What a wonder-
Today, the prospect of living
ful future awaits them! May we
forever on earth fills the hearts
all be determined to continue to
of millions with gratitude to-
“do what is good,” so that we will
ward Jehovah. The prophet Isa-
be alive when the earth is filled
with righteous, happy subjects of iah was inspired to write about
the Greater David.—Ps. 37:27-29. the kind of life that God’s people
w09 4/15 5:10, 11 will enjoy on earth. (Isa. 65:21-
25) Certain trees that were alive
Friday, January 14 some 2,700 years ago when Isaiah
wrote those words are evidently
Let the name of Jehovah contin- still alive today. Can you imag-
ue to be blessed.—Job 1:21. ine yourself living that long with
Moses was about 40 years old strength and good health? In-
when he fled from Egypt and took stead of being a short walk from
up residence in Midian. (Acts 7: the cradle to the grave, life will
23) During his stay in that land, present endless opportunities to
he could have heard of the trials build, plant, and learn. Think of
of Job, who was living nearby the friendships you will be able to
in the land of Uz. Jewish tradi- cultivate. Those loving relation-
tion holds that Moses wrote the ships will continue to grow indef-
book of Job sometime after Job’s initely. What “glorious freedom”
death. The book of Job strength- will then be enjoyed on earth by
ens the faith of God’s servants “the children of God”! w09 8/15 3:
in modern times. In what ways? 17-19

13. Sunday, January 16 “Do not become wise in your own
eyes.” (Prov. 3:7) Instead, follow
[God’s] will is that all sorts of the wise counsel that Moses gave
men should be saved and come to God’s people in ancient times:
to an accurate knowledge of “Jehovah your God you should
truth.—1 Tim. 2:4. fear. Him you should serve, and
Jehovah’s Witnesses scour the to him you should cling.” (Deut.
earth in search of those who 10:20) By clinging to Jehovah, we
yearn to know and serve God. will be imitating Jesus, of whom
In fact, for the past 17 years it was said: “You loved righteous-
in a row, we have spent over ness, and you hated lawless-
one billion hours annually in the ness.” (Heb. 1:9) Paying atten-
preaching and disciple-making tion to godly wisdom will deepen
work. We do so willingly, although our happiness now and safeguard
the preaching work requires that us in times to come.—Eccl. 7:12.
we sacrifice time, energy, and w09 4/15 3:18, 19
material resources. Like Jesus,
we understand that our loving
Tuesday, January 18
heavenly Father desires that peo- Through one man sin entered
ple acquire the knowledge that into the world and death
leads to everlasting life. (John through sin, and thus death
17:3) Love moves us to help hon- spread to all men because they
esthearted ones to come to know had all sinned.—Rom. 5:12.
and love Jehovah as we do. Yes,
to be truly effective teachers, we The infection rate of sin is
need a threefold love—love for 100 percent. (Rom. 3:23) And
God, love of the truth, and love what is the mortality rate? Paul
for people. As we cultivate that wrote that sin brings death “to
kind of love and display it in our all men.” Many today do not see
ministry, we experience not only sin and death in such dire terms.
the joy of giving but also the sat- They worry about what they call
isfaction of knowing that we im- premature death, but they dis-
itate Jesus and please Jehovah. miss as “natural” the death that
w09 7/15 3:18, 20 creeps up on humans through the
aging process. It is all too easy for
Monday, January 17 humans to forget the Creator’s
Abhor what is wicked, cling to perspective. Our lifespan is infi-
what is good.—Rom. 12:9. nitely shorter than he meant it to
be. Actually, no human has lived
The unwholesome influences for even “one day” from Jehovah’s
that are prevalent in Satan’s point of view. (2 Pet. 3:8) God’s
world could cause us to lose our Word thus says that our lives are
grip on godly principles. For in- as transitory as a season’s growth
stance, association with those of grass or as an exhaled breath.
who do not adhere to God’s laws (Ps. 39:5; 1 Pet. 1:24) We need
—whether at school or at work to keep that perspective in mind.
or through some form of un- Why? If we see the severity of the
godly entertainment—might af- “disease” that afflicts us, we can
fect our determination to do what better appreciate the value of the
is right. Do not let that hap- “cure”—our deliverance. w09 9/15
pen to you! God’s Word warns: 5:3, 4

14. Wednesday, January 19 by name. He loves his sheep so
much that while on earth he will-
In every way we recommend
ingly gave of himself for their
ourselves as God’s ministers, well-being. (John 10:3, 14, 15)
. . . by truthful speech. As the Fine Shepherd, Jesus ac-
—2 Cor. 6:4, 7. complishes something that David
This certainly proved to be the could never do. His ransom sac-
case with a Witness living in Brit- rifice opened the way for man-
ain. Attempting to sell a car to a kind to be rescued from death.
prospective buyer, he described Nothing will stop him from shep-
all its good points as well as its herding his “little flock” to im-
faults, including those that could mortal life in heaven and leading
not be seen. After taking the car his “other sheep” to everlasting
for a test drive, the buyer asked life in a righteous new world free
the brother if he was one of Jeho- from wolflike predators.—John
vah’s Witnesses. Why did he draw 10:27-29. w09 4/15 5:7
that conclusion? The man had
taken note of the brother’s hon- Friday, January 21
esty as well as his neat appear-
Keep yourselves in God’s love.
ance. The ensuing discussion led
to a fine witness being given. Do —Jude 21.
we likewise bring praise to our This text implies that some ac-
Creator by our good moral char- tion is required on our part.
acter? Paul said: “We have re- What, then, do we need to do in
nounced the underhanded things order to remain in God’s love?
of which to b e ashamed, not We find the answer to that ques-
walking with cunning.” (2 Cor. tion in Jesus’ own words, spoken
4:2) Hence, let us do our utmost on the final night of his life here
to speak truth with our neighbor. on earth. He said: “If you observe
In so doing, we will bring glory to my commandments, you will re-
our heavenly Father and to his main in my love, just as I have ob-
people. w09 6/15 3:19, 20 served the commandments of
Thursday, January 20 the Father and remain in his
love.” (John 15:10) Clearly, Je-
I am the fine shepherd. sus felt that observing Jehovah’s
—John 10:11. commandments was essential to
The years David spent in fields keeping a good standing with his
and on hills tending sheep pre- Father. Now, if that was true of
p ared him for the demand- the perfect Son of God, would it
ing duties and responsibilities of not be true of us also? Primari-
shepherding the nation of Isra- ly, we show that we love Jehovah
el. (Ps. 78:70, 71) Jesus too has by obeying him. The apostle John
proved to be a model shepherd. expressed it this way: “This is
He derives strength and guidance what the love of God means, that
from Jehovah as he shepherds we observe his commandments;
his “little flock” and the “other and yet his commandments are
sheep.” (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
Thus Jesus proves to be the Fine Yes, Jehovah does not ask us to
Shepherd. He knows his flock do something that is too hard for
so well that he calls each sheep us. w09 8/15 4:2-4

15. Saturday, January 22 everlasting life is an essential as-
pect of the good news that we
What will be the sign of your preach. It molds our very out-
presence and of the conclusion look on life. For the most part,
of the system of things? the religions of Christendom
—Matt. 24:3. have ignored the hope of ever-
The initial fulfillment of the lasting life on earth. Whereas
prophecy that Jesus gave his dis- the Bible teaches that the soul
ciples in answer to their question dies, the majority of churches
took place in the first century. Je- teach the unscriptural doctrine
sus spoke of an unusual devel- that man has an immortal soul
opment that would signal that that survives death and lives
the end was imminent. Upon ob- on in the spirit realm. (Ezek.
serving that development, “those 18:20) Hence, many people are
in Judea [were to] begin fleeing skeptical about everlasting life
to the mountains.” (Matt. 24:1, 2, on earth. w09 8/15 1:1, 2
15-22) Nearly three decades lat- Monday, January 24
er, in 61 C.E., the apostle Paul
penned a strong, sobering mes- He that has endured to the end
sage to Hebrew Christians living is the one that will be saved.
in Jerusalem and its surround- —Matt. 24:13.
ings. Unknown to both Paul and
It would be a mistake to low-
his fellow believers, the signal
er our moral and spiritual stan-
marking the opening stage of a
dards, perhaps thinking that we
“great tribulation” was only about
are strong enough to resist the
five years away. (Matt. 24:21) In
effects of bad association, includ-
66 C.E., Cestius Gallus led Ro-
ing when that association might
man troops in a nearly successful
be in the form of violent, immor-
attack on Jerusalem. But then he
al entertainment. Instead, we
suddenly withdrew, leaving open must protect ourselves and our
a window of opportunity for en- children from the corrupting in-
dangered ones to escape to safe- fluences of Satan’s spirit. Com-
ty. w09 5/15 1:1, 2 puter users take pains to prevent
Sunday, January 23 their equipment from becom-
ing infected with malicious vi-
He will wipe out every tear from ruses that can destroy data, in-
their eyes, and death will be no terfere with operation, and even
more, neither will mourning nor take over the machine. Should we
outcry nor pain be anymore. be any less vigilant in protect-
The former things have passed ing ourselves from Satan’s “crafty
away.—Rev. 21:4. acts”? (Eph. 6:11, ftn.) Practically
every day, in some way we have to
Perhaps you recall the joy you choose if we will do things Jeho-
felt when you first learned that vah’s way or not. In order to gain
in the near future, people will salvation, we must obey God and
no longer grow old and die but live by his righteous principles.
will live forever on earth. (John By following Christ’s example of
17:3) You have probably enjoyed obedience even “as far as death,”
sharing that Scriptural hope with we show that our faith is real.
others. After all, the hope of —Phil. 2:8. w09 9/15 2:8, 9

16. Tuesday, January 25 to weaken in the face of world-
ly pressure. Christian parents
Unless anyone is born from wa- realize that a child’s upbringing
ter and spirit, he cannot enter entails more than providing for
into the kingdom of God. his material needs. Therefore, it
—John 3:5. would be extremely shortsighted
Jesus told Nicodemus that to teach a child to pursue goals
those entering the Kingdom of that would serve only for his ma-
the heavens must b e “b orn terial advantage. Jesus taught his
again.” (John 3:3, 4) Jesus did not disciples to make spiritual val-
ues and pursuits their priority.
stop with that. He then spoke of
(Matt. 6:33) Therefore, in imita-
the hope that is open to the whole
tion of Jesus, Christian parents
world. (John 3:16) Jesus was re-
should also strive to cultivate in
ferring to the hope of everlast-
their children a desire to pursue
ing life for his anointed follow-
spiritual goals. w09 7/15 2:13, 14
ers in heaven and for others on
earth. After speaking to Nico- Thursday, January 27
demus in Jerusalem, Jesus trav-
eled north toward Galilee. On Jehovah God will raise up for
the way, he met a woman at Ja- you from among your brothers a
cob’s fountain near the city of prophet like me.—Acts 3:22.
Sychar in Samaria. He told her: Shortly after Pentecost 33 C.E.,
“Whoever drinks from the water the apostle Peter quoted a proph-
that I will give him will never get ecy by Moses that was fulfilled
thirsty at all, but the water that I in Jesus Christ. Peter was stand-
will give him will become in him ing before a crowd of worship-
a fountain of water bubbling up pers in the temple. The people
to impart everlasting life.” (John were “surprised out of their wits”
4:5, 6, 14) This water represents when Peter and John healed a
God’s provisions for the restora- beggar who was lame from birth.
tion of all mankind to everlasting (Acts 3:11) Peter explained that
life, including those who will live this astonishing act was a result
on earth. w09 8/15 2:8, 9 of Jehovah’s holy spirit operat-
ing through Jesus Christ. Then,
Wednesday, January 26 quoting from the Hebrew Scrip-
The advantage of knowledge tures, he said the words found
is that wisdom itself preserves in today’s text. (Deut. 18:15, 18,
alive its owners.—Eccl. 7:12. 19) Those words of Moses were
likely familiar to Peter’s audi-
If parents strive to apply Bible ence. As Jews, they had a high re-
principles in everyday matters, gard for Moses. (Deut. 34:10)
this will not escape their chil- With keen anticip ation, they
dren’s notice. The parents’ words looked forward to the coming of a
and teachings will carry weight. prophet greater than Moses. That
However, if children perceive a prophet would prove to be not
double standard, they might just a messiah, an anointed one
draw the conclusion that Bible of God like Moses, but the Messi-
principles are not really impor- ah, “the Christ of God, the Cho-
tant or practical. As a result, the sen One” of Jehovah.—Luke 23:
children may be more inclined 35; Heb. 11:26. w09 4/15 4:6, 7

17. Friday, January 28 states: “David’s fame began to go
out into all the lands, and Jeho-
He has not done to us even ac- vah himself put the dread of him
cording to our sins; nor accord- upon all the nations.” (1 Chron.
ing to our errors has he brought 14:17) Like King David, the man
upon us what we deserve. Jesus w as fearless. As King-
—Ps. 103:10. Designate, he showed his au-
thority over the demons, rescu-
In order to grasp the severity of
ing victims from their clutches.
sin and its effects, we must try to (Mark 5:2, 6-13; Luke 4:36) Even
fathom what it has cost us. That the archenemy, Satan the Devil,
may be difficult at first because has no hold on him. With Jeho-
sin cost us something we have vah’s support, Jesus conquered
never yet experienced. Adam and the world, which lies in Satan’s
Eve initially enjoyed perfect hu- power.—John 14:30; 1 John 5:19.
man life. Perfect in mind and w09 4/15 5:8, 9
body, they could choose to con-
trol their thoughts, feelings, and Sunday, January 30
actions. Thus they were free to
grow as servants of Jehovah God,
Come to me, all you who are
to fulfill the tremendous poten- toiling and loaded down, and I
tial within them. Instead, they will refresh you. Take my yoke
threw away that precious gift. upon you and learn from me,
By choosing to sin against Jeho- for I am mild-tempered and
vah, they lost for themselves and lowly in heart, and you will find
their offspring the kind of life refreshment for your souls.
that Jehovah intended for them. —Matt. 11:28, 29.
(Gen. 3:16-19) At the same time,
Jesus, the perfect Son of God,
they inflicted on themselves and
willingly came to earth to serve
on us the terrible “disease” of
among imperfect and sinful peo-
sin. Rightly, Jehovah condemned
ple. Some of those would later
them. But for us, he holds out the
kill him. Yet, Jesus always main-
hope of deliverance. w09 9/15 5:5 tained his joy and self-control.
Saturday, January 29 (1 Pet. 2:21-23) ‘Looking intent-
ly’ at Jesus’ example can help
In the world you are having us to do the same when oth-
tribulation, but take courage! I ers’ faults and imperfections af-
have conquered the world. fect us. (Heb. 12:2) Jesus invit-
—John 16:33. ed his disciples to ‘get under his
yoke with him’ and thus to learn
As king, David was a resolute from him. (Matt. 11:29, ftn.) What
warrior who protected the land of could they learn? For one thing,
God’s people, and “Jehovah kept Jesus was mild-tempered, and he
saving David wherever he went.” was patient with his disciples de-
Under David’s leadership, the na- spite their faults. On the night
tion’s boundaries were extended before he died, Jesus washed
from the river of Egypt to the riv- their feet, thereby teaching them
er Euphrates. (2 Sam. 8:1-14) In a lesson in being “lowly in heart”
Jehovah’s strength, he became a that they would never forget.
most powerful ruler. The Bible —John 13:14-17. w09 9/15 1:1, 3

18. Monday, January 31 (Job 1:5) Even when being severe-
ly tested, Job still said positive
Jehovah himself turned back the things about Jehovah. (Job 10:12)
captive condition of Job when he What a fine example! We too must
prayed in behalf of his compan- regularly take in accurate knowl-
ions, and Jehovah began to give edge of Jehovah and his purpos-
in addition all that had been es. We hold to a healthy routine in
Job’s, in double amount. such spiritual activities as study,
—Job 42:10. meeting attendance, prayer, and
the preaching of the good news.
What Job learned about God Moreover, we do everything in
aroused in him the desire to our power to make known the
please Jehovah. In case his fam- name of Jehovah. And just as
ily members might have done Job’s integrity pleased Jehovah,
something displeasing to God or so the integrity of God’s servants
“have cursed God in their heart,” today makes Jehovah’s heart re-
he regularly offered sacrifices. joice. w09 4/15 1:9, 18
Tuesday, February 1 Wednesday, February 2
Become an example to the faith- Ezra . . . had prepared his heart
ful ones.—1 Tim. 4:12. to consult the law of Jehovah
Paul was urging Timothy to
and to do it.—Ezra 7:10.
keep applying himself in order One way to prepare our heart is
to make progress in speech, con- by diligently studying the Scrip-
duct, love, faith, and chasteness, tures and Bible-based publica-
as well as in the way he fulfilled tions. Imagine yourself in the fol-
his ministry. He was to strive to lowing situation. Suppose it is
make his manner of life exem- your evening for personal study.
plary. (1 Tim. 4:13-15) When Paul You have just prayed for Jeho-
penned this counsel sometime vah’s spirit to help you to ap-
between 61 and 64 C.E., Timothy ply what you learn from his Word.
was already an experienced el- You have plans to watch a par-
der. In 49 or 50 C.E. when Timo- ticular movie on TV the next
thy was likely in his late teens or evening, yet you know that it
early 20’s, he was “well report- contains some immorality and vi-
ed on by the brothers in Lystra olence. You ponder Paul’s coun-
and Iconium,” who had observed sel at Ephesians 5:3: “Let forni-
his spiritual progress. (Acts 16: cation and uncleanness of every
1-5) At that time, Paul took Tim- sort or greediness not even be
othy with him on his mission- mentioned among you, just as it
ary journey. After observing Tim- befits holy people.” You also re-
othy’s further progress for some call Paul’s advice at Philippians
months, Paul dispatched him to 4:8. As you weigh this inspired
Thessalonica in order to com- counsel, you ask yourself, ‘If I de-
fort and make firm the Christians liberately expose my heart and
in that city. (1 Thess. 3:1-3, 6) mind to such programs, am I fol-
Clearly, Timothy began to make lowing Jesus’ example of strict
his advancement manifest to oth- obedience to God?’ What will you
ers when he was a young person. do? Will you watch that movie
w09 5/15 2:3-5 anyway? w09 9/15 2:5-7

19. Thursday, February 3 “Without writing a single line, he
set more pens in motion, and fur-
Who really is the faithful and
nished themes for more sermons,
discreet slave whom his master orations, discussions, learned
appointed over his domestics, to volumes, works of art, and songs
give them their food at the of praise, than the whole army of
proper time?—Matt. 24:45. great men of ancient and modern
After raising this question, Je- times.” That remarkable young
sus then went on to say that man was, of course, Jesus Christ.
this slave would be rewarded Said the apostle John: “There
for his faithfulness by being ap- are, in fact, many other things
pointed over all of the Master’s also which Jesus did, which, if
belongings. (Matt. 24:46, 47) Je- ever they were written in full de-
sus, the “master” in the illustra- tail, I suppose, the world itself
tion, did not say that there would could not contain the scrolls writ-
be a multitude of slaves scattered ten.”—John 21:25. w09 4/15 4:1, 2
throughout the various sects of
Christendom. Instead, he clearly Saturday, February 5
stated that there would be only Maintain your conduct fine
one “steward,” or “slave,” whom among the nations.—1 Pet. 2:12.
he would appoint over all his be-
longings. So as The Watchtower At Bethel homes throughout
has often explained, the stew- the world, brothers and sisters
ard must represent the “little work zealously and for no wag-
flock” of anointed disciples as a es, volunteering their time and
collective body, or group. In the energy to help publish the good
context of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus news. Similarly, brothers and sis-
had just referred to these ones. ters who work secularly to care
(Luke 12:32, 42) The “body of at- for their families go about their
tendants,” or “domestics,” refers business in a whole-souled way.
to this same group but highlights (Col. 3:23, 24) This often results
their role as individuals. w09 6/15 in improved job security, as em-
4:1, 3 ployers value their conscientious
attitude and do not want to lose
Friday, February 4 them as employees. Our trust in
Jehovah God will raise up for Jehovah, our obedience to his in-
you from among your brothers a structions, and the care we take
of our meeting places are among
prophet like me. You must listen
ways that we demonstrate zeal
to him.—Acts 3:22. for Jehovah’s house. In addi-
Two thousand years ago, the tion, we want to have as full a
birth of a certain male child share as we can in the Kingdom-
caused a multitude of angels in preaching and disciple-making
heaven to praise God in the hear- work. Whether we are young or
ing of some shepherds. (Luke 2:8- old, by our strenuously uphold-
14) Thirty years later, that child, ing the clean standards associ-
now an adult, began a minis- ated with our worship, we shall
try that lasted just three and a reap many benefits. And we will
half years and yet changed his- continue to be known as a people
tory. Historian Philip Schaff was “zealous for fine works.”—Titus
moved to state of this young man: 2:14. w09 6/15 2:16-18

20. Sunday, February 6 needed. Because the matter has
not previously been discussed
In the re-creation, when the Son
by the parents, it would be ap-
of man sits down upon his glo- propriate for the mother to in-
rious throne, you who have fol- quire, “Did you ask your father?”
lowed me will also yourselves If the son has not, she should
sit upon twelve thrones, judging discuss the matter with her hus-
the twelve tribes of Israel. band before anything is decided.
—Matt. 19:28. Moreover, a Christian wife would
Jesus told his ap ostles that certainly want to avoid contra-
they would be among those who dicting her husband or challeng-
would rule as kings and judge ing his opinion in front of their
“the twelve tribes of Israel,” that children. If she disagrees with
is, the world of mankind outside her husband about something,
that heavenly ruling class. (1 Cor. she would talk with him in pri-
6:2) He also spoke of a reward vate.—Eph. 6:4. w09 7/15 2:9, 10
for “everyone” who follows him.
Such individuals too “will inher-
Tuesday, February 8
it everlasting life.” (Matt. 19:29) [Christ] obtained an everlasting
All of this is to take place “in deliverance for us.—Heb. 9:12.
the re-creation.” What did Je-
sus mean by “the re-creation”? Among the most imp ortant
Since Jesus used the term with- sacrifices required by the Law
out explanation, he evidently re- were those offered on the an-
ferred to what had been the Jew- nual Day of Atonement. On that
ish hope for centuries. There day, the high priest offered sacri-
was to be a re-creation of con- fices to Jehovah to provide for the
ditions on earth, so that things atonement of sins—first those of
would be as they were in the gar- the priestly class, then those of
den of Eden before Adam and the nonpriestly tribes. (Ex. 25:
Eve sinned. The re-creation will 22; Lev. 16:1-30) The apostle Paul
fulfill God’s promise of “creating was inspired to reveal the mean-
new heavens and a new earth.” ing behind those symbolic ac-
—Isa. 65:17. w09 8/15 2:4, 5 tions. He showed that the high
priest pictured the Messiah, Je-
Monday, February 7 sus Christ, while the offering of
Jesus . . . gave no consideration the sacrifices signified Christ’s
to a seizure, namely, that he sacrificial death. (Heb. 9:11-
14) That perfect sacrifice would
should be equal to God. No, but
provide real atonement for two
he emptied himself and took a
groups of people—the priestly
slave’s form.—Phil. 2:5-7. class of Christ’s 144,000 spirit-
A Christian wife does well to anointed brothers and the “oth-
imitate Jesus by supporting her er sheep.” (John 10:16) When
husband’s headship. (1 Pet. 2: the high priest entered the Most
21; 3:1, 2) Consider a situation in Holy, he foreshadowed Jesus’ en-
which she has an opportunity to try into heaven itself to present
do this. Her son is seeking per- before Jehovah God the value of
mission to engage in an activity the ransom sacrifice.—Heb. 9:24,
for which parental permission is 25. w09 9/15 5:8, 9

21. Wednesday, February 9 let God’s Word educate and train
our conscience so that it can be
We do have the mind of Christ.
truly useful to us. We need to
—1 Cor. 2:16. listen to our Bible-trained con-
If the flaws of others easily an- science instead of letting our
noy us, we need to ask ourselves, selfish inclinations overwhelm it.
‘How can I better reflect “the At the same time, we should en-
mind of Christ”?’ Try to keep in deavor to respect the consciences
mind that Jesus did not become of our beloved spiritual brothers
upset with his disciples, even and sisters. We make every effort
when they showed a measure of to avoid stumbling them, keeping
spiritual weakness. Consider the in mind that our brother’s con-
case of the apostle Peter. When science may be more sensitive or
Jesus invited Peter to get out of restrictive than our own.—1 Cor.
the boat and walk toward Him 8:12; 2 Cor. 4:2. w09 8/15 4:8, 9
on the water, Peter actually did
so for a while. Then Peter looked Friday, February 11
at the windstorm and began to
I do indeed also consider all
sink. Did Jesus become incensed
and say to him: “Serves you right! things to be loss on account of
Let that be a lesson to you”? the excelling value of the knowl-
No! “Immediately stretching out edge of Christ Jesus.—Phil. 3:8.
his hand Jesus caught hold of him From an early age, Robert ex-
and said to him: ‘You with lit- celled in school. His academ-
tle faith, why did you give way ic achievements as a high-school
to doubt?’ ” (Matt. 14:28-31) If
student qualified him to attend
we ever have to deal with a broth-
any of the best universities in his
er’s apparent lack of faith, can
country. But Robert chose to for-
we figuratively stretch out our
go what many viewed as a once-
hand and help him to gain more
faith? That is certainly a lesson in-a-lifetime opportunity in or-
evident in Jesus’ mild-tempered der to pursue his goal of serving
action toward Peter. w09 9/15 1: as a regular pioneer. (1 Cor. 7:
2, 4, 5 29-31) What motivates Christians
like Robert to expend themselves
Thursday, February 10 in the preaching work? In ad-
dition to their love for Jehovah,
Hold a good conscience. which is the foremost reason,
—1 Pet. 3:16. they appreciate the excelling val-
Sadly, many p eople in this ue of divine education. Have you
world give undue prominence to considered lately what your life
the desires of the heart while might be like if you had not come
paying little or no attention to to a knowledge of the truth? Re-
the standards set out in God’s flecting on some of the outstand-
Word. (Eph. 4:17-19) That is why ing blessings we enjoy as a result
so many people, though endowed of being taught by Jehovah will
with a conscience, do terrible help us to maintain our apprecia-
things. (1 Tim. 4:2) We should tion for the good news and to be
be determined never to be like zealous in sharing it with others.
that! Rather, let us continue to w09 9/15 4:1, 2

22. Saturday, February 12 23, 24) With the passing of time,
the human life span declined.
We mustered up boldness . . .
Adam lived for 930 years. The
to speak to you the good news. Flood survivor Shem lived for only
—1 Thess. 2:2. 600 years, and his son Arpachshad
How pleasant it is to hear good for 438 years. Abraham’s father,
news! And the best news of all Terah, lived for 205 years. The life
is the good news of God’s King- span of Abraham was 175 years,
dom. This good news assures us that of his son Isaac was 180 years,
of an end to suffering, sickness, and that of Jacob was 147 years.
pain, sorrow, and death. It opens (Gen. 5:5; 11:10-13, 32; 25:7; 35:
the way to everlasting life, re- 28; 47:28) Many people must have
veals God’s purpose, and shows realized what this decline meant
us how to come into a loving re- —the prospect of everlasting life
lationship with him. You would had been lost! w09 8/15 1:3
think that everyone would re-
joice to hear this news that Je- Monday, February 14
sus shared with mankind. Sad- Look out: perhaps there may be
ly, though, that is not the case.
Jesus told his disciples: “Do not someone who will carry you off
think I came to put peace upon as his prey through the philoso-
the earth; I came to put, not phy and empty deception ac-
peace, but a sword. . . . Indeed, a cording to the tradition of men.
man’s enemies will be persons of —Col. 2:8.
his own household.” (Matt. 10:34-
36) Instead of embracing the We too must beware of the in-
good news, most people reject it. fluences from Satan and his wick-
Some make themselves enemies ed system. Worldly philosophy,
of those who proclaim it, even if including secular humanism and
they are close family members. the theory of evolution, shapes
w09 7/15 4:1, 2 people’s thinking, morals, goals,
and lifestyle. False religion plays
Sunday, February 13 a major role in many popular hol-
iday celebrations. The entertain-
As for the tree of the knowledge
ment industry panders to the
of good and bad you must not debased tendencies of the fall-
eat from it, for in the day you en flesh, and much of the con-
eat from it you will positively tent of the Internet poses a real
die.—Gen. 2:17. danger to young and old alike.
Jehovah’s purp ose for man- Constant exposure to these and
kind was made evident at the other worldly trends can easily
very beginning of human history. affect our feelings and attitude
God clearly indicated that Adam toward the direction that Jeho-
would live forever if he was obedi- vah provides, causing us to re-
ent. (Gen. 2:9; 3:22) Adam’s ear- lax our firm hold on the real life.
ly descendants no doubt learned (1 Tim. 6:17-19) Clearly, we need
about man’s fall from perfection, to grasp the meaning of Paul’s
which was confirmed by visible words to the Colossians and take
evidence. The entrance to the his counsel to heart if we do not
garden of Eden was blocked, and want to succumb to Satan’s cun-
people grew old and died. (Gen. 3: ning schemes. w09 7/15 1:5, 6

23. Tuesday, February 15 on looking at a woman so as to
have a passion for her has already
Upon them be peace and mercy,
committed adultery with her in
even upon the Israel of God. his heart.” (Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5:27,
—Gal. 6:16. 28) After stating the Pharisaic in-
The new nation, “the Israel of terpretation of a statement in the
God,” is made up of spiritual Is- Law—“you must love your neigh-
raelites. (Matt. 21:43; Rom. 2:28, bor and hate your enemy”—Jesus
29; 9:6) It came into existence made known Jehovah’s thinking,
with the outpouring of God’s saying: “Continue to love your en-
spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E. There- emies and to pray for those per-
after, all spirit-anointed Chris- secuting you.” (Matt. 5:43, 44; Ex.
tians became part of the nation 23:4) Gaining insight into how
that now served as the slave class God thinks and feels and what he
appointed by the Master, Jesus requires of us equips us to imitate
Christ. Each member of that na- him more fully. w09 5/15 4:6
tion was given the commission
to preach the good news and Thursday, February 17
make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Honor your father and your
But was every member of that mother.—Matt. 15:4.
group to be involved with provid-
ing spiritual food at the proper You youngsters may at times
time? No. The apostle Paul tells be tempted to disobey your par-
us: “Not all are apostles, are they? ents. So, what can help you to
Not all are prophets, are they? follow Jesus’ example and re-
Not all are teachers, are they?” sist temptation? (Matt. 4:1-10)
(1 Cor. 12:29) Although all spirit- Likely, most of your schoolmates
begotten Christians engaged in have little or no regard for Bi-
the preaching work, only a very ble standards. They might try to
limited number—just eight dif- get you to participate in ques-
ferent men—were used to write tionable activities and make fun
the 27 books of the Christian of you when you refuse. Do your
Greek Scriptures. w09 6/15 4: schoolmates ever call you names
6, 10 because you refuse to participate
in certain activities with them?
Wednesday, February 16 If so, how do you react? You
You must love your fellow as know that if you allow yourself to
yourself. I am Jehovah. be intimidated and go along with
the crowd, you will disappoint
—Lev. 19:18. your parents and Jehovah. Where
Jesus showed what God re- would you wind up if you followed
quires of us and how he feels your schoolmates? Perhaps you
about his worshippers. (Matt. have set certain goals for your-
22:36-40; Luke 12:6, 7; 15:4-7) For self, such as becoming a pioneer
example, after quoting one of the or a ministerial servant, serving
Ten Commandments—“you must in a territory where there is a
not commit adultery”—Jesus ex- greater need for Kingdom pub-
plained God’s view of what takes lishers, or becoming a Bethelite.
place inside the heart of a man Will associating with your school-
long before he commits that act. mates help you reach your goals?
He said: “Everyone that keeps w09 7/15 2:16, 17

24. Friday, February 18 believes him that sent me has
everlasting life.” Jesus also said:
Will God truly dwell upon the
“The hour is coming in which all
earth? Look! The heavens, yes, those in the memorial tombs will
the heaven of the heavens, hear [the Son of man’s] voice and
themselves cannot contain you; come out, those who did good
how much less, then, this house things to a resurrection of life,
that I have built!—1 Ki. 8:27. those who practiced vile things
In ancient Israel, the house of to a resurrection of judgment.”
God was the temple in Jerusa- (John 5:1-8, 19, 22, 24-29) Jesus
lem. Of course, Jehovah did not was telling the persecuting Jews
literally live there. He declared: that he was the one appointed
“The heavens are my throne, and by God to fulfill the Jewish hope
the earth is my footstool. Where, of everlasting life on earth and
then, is the house that you peo- that he would do so by raising the
ple can build for me, and where, dead. w09 8/15 2:10
then, is the place as a resting-
place for me?” (Isa. 66:1) Never- Sunday, February 20
theless, the temple built during I am no part of the world.
Solomon’s reign served as the fo- —John 17:16.
cal point for the worship of Jeho-
vah, where prayers were offered. Surrounded as we are by this
(1 Ki. 8:28-30) Today, Jehovah’s world’s attitudes and conduct, we
house is no stone edifice in Jeru- need courage to resist contami-
salem or anywhere else. Rather, nation. Christians deal with mor-
it is the arrangement for us to ap- al, social, financial, and religious
proach him in worship on the ba- pressures that could cause them
sis of Christ’s ransom sacrifice. to deviate from Jehovah’s righ-
All of God’s faithful servants on teous ways. Many face family op-
earth unite to worship Jehovah in position. In some countries, edu-
this spiritual temple.—Isa. 60:4, cational institutions promote the
8, 13; Acts 17:24; Heb. 8:5; 9:24. theory of evolution ever more ag-
w09 6/15 1:4, 5 gressively, and atheism is gain-
ing more attention. In the face of
Saturday, February 19 such pressures, we cannot merely
The man immediately became hunker down and do nothing. We
must take action in order to resist
sound in health, and he picked
and thus protect ourselves. Jesus’
up his cot and began to walk. example shows us how we can
—John 5:9. succeed. He never yielded to the
In Jerusalem, Jesus restored a world’s influence. He never al-
sick man to health at the pool lowed the world to stop him from
of Bethzatha. To the Jews who carrying out his preaching com-
criticized what he did, Jesus ex- mission or to cause him to low-
plained that “the Son cannot do er his standards for true worship
a single thing of his own initia- and proper conduct; nor should
tive, but only what he beholds the we. Studying Christ’s courageous
Father doing.” After telling them example and reflecting on it can
that the Father “has committed give us the necessary courage to
all the judging to the Son,” Jesus remain separate from the world.
said: “He that hears my word and w09 9/15 2:10, 11

25. Monday, February 21 wisdom were unmatched among
his contemporaries. (1 Ki. 4:30,
[Job] got up early in the morn- 32, 34) Many of his proverbs were
ing and offered up burnt sacri- written down and are still trea-
fices according to the number of sured by those who seek wisdom.
all [his children]. That is the The queen of Sheba traveled
way Job would do always. some 1,500 miles to test Solo-
—Job 1:5. mon’s wisdom with “perplexing
questions.” She was impressed by
How can we show that we keep what Solomon said and by the
the real enemy in mind when a prosperity of his kingdom. (1 Ki.
tragedy befalls a fellow believ- 10:1-9) The Bible identifies the
er? Instead of distancing our- Source of Solomon’s wisdom by
selves from the affected broth- stating: “All the people of the
er, we act like Elihu of old, who earth were seeking the face of
spoke to Job as a true friend. Solomon to hear his wisdom that
We join our brother in the strug- God had put in his heart.”—1 Ki.
gle against our common ene- 10:24. w09 4/15 5:12, 13
my, Satan. (Prov. 3:27; 1 Thess.
5:25) Our goal is to help our Wednesday, February 23
fellow servant to maintain his
integrity, come what may, and Do not make yourselves like a
thus make Jehovah’s heart re- horse or mule without under-
joice. The first asset that Satan standing.—Ps. 32:9.
caused Job to lose was his live- Some young adults have rushed
stock. Those animals were valu- into marriage, believing that it
able, likely his livelihood. But Job is the solution to unhappiness,
also used them in worship. Once loneliness, boredom, and prob-
the trials began, that was no lon- lems at home. However, the ex-
ger possible. Job had no “valuable changing of marriage vows is a
things” with which to honor Je- serious matter. (Prov. 20:25) At
hovah. (Prov. 3:9) But he could times, young adults do not se-
—and did—honor Jehovah with riously consider the demands of
his lips! w09 4/15 2:7, 8 marriage. Later, they find that
much more is involved than they
Tuesday, February 22 had realized. So before pursuing
Give me now wisdom and knowl- a courtship, ask yourself: ‘Why do
edge.—2 Chron. 1:10. I want to get married? What ex-
pectations do I have? Is this the
When Solomon became king, right person for me? What can I
Jehovah appeared to him in a bring to a marriage?’ To help you
dream and said that He would make an insightful examination,
give him anything he asked for. “the faithful and discreet slave”
(2 Chron. 1:7) Solomon could have has published very specific arti-
asked for more wealth, power, cles. (Matt. 24:45-47) View such
or a longer life. Instead, he un- material as advice that Jehovah
selfishly asked for wisdom and is giving you. Carefully evaluate
knowledge. Jehovah answered what is stated there and apply it.
Solomon’s prayer. (2 Chron. 1: Never allow yourself to become
11, 12) As long as Solomon was “like a horse or mule without un-
faithful to Jehovah, his words of derstanding.” w09 5/15 2:12, 13

26. Thursday, February 24 tive powers are trained through
use—through application of
Take the young child and its
what they know—helping them
mother and flee into Egypt, and to distinguish right from wrong.
stay there until I give you word; When they are faced with a deci-
for Herod is about to search for sion, this training enables them
the young child to destroy it. to discern what Scriptural princi-
—Matt. 2:13. ples are involved and how to apply
In some respects, the earthly them. “It is necessary for us to
life of Jesus resembled the life pay more than the usual atten-
of Moses. For instance, as babes, tion to the things heard by us,”
both Moses and Jesus escaped wrote Paul, “that we may never
death at the hands of a tyrannical drift away.”—Heb. 2:1. w09 5/15 1:
ruler. (Ex. 1:22–2:10) In addition, 3, 5, 6
both were ‘called out of Egypt.’
Saturday, February 26
The prophet Hosea stated: “When
Israel was a boy, then I loved He will bruise you in the head
him, and out of Egypt I called my and you will bruise him in the
son.” (Hos. 11:1) Hosea’s words heel.—Gen. 3:15.
pointed back to the time when
the nation of Israel, under its di- In this prophecy, we learn
vinely appointed leader, Moses, something about the cost of de-
was led out of Egypt. (Ex. 4:22, liverance. Jehovah would provide
23; 12:29-37) However, Hosea’s a “seed,” a rescuer, who would
words referred not only to a past one day destroy Satan, crushing
event but also to a future one. His him out of existence. However,
words were a prophecy that was that rescuer would suffer along
fulfilled when Joseph and Mary the way, receiving a figurative
returned from Egypt with Jesus wound in the heel. That sounds
after the death of King Herod. painful and debilitating, but
—Matt. 2:15, 19-23. w09 4/15 4:8 what does it mean? Just what
would Jehovah’s Chosen One
Friday, February 25 have to endure? In order to save
Now that we have left the pri- mankind from sin, the rescuer
would have to provide a means of
mary doctrine about the Christ,
atonement, a way of reconciling
let us press on to maturity. humans to God by undoing the
—Heb. 6:1. effects of sin. What would that
Paul not only encouraged the involve? There were early indi-
first-century Hebrew Christians cations that a sacrifice would be
to press on to maturity but also required. When the first faithful
told them what spiritual maturity human, Abel, offered animal sac-
involves. (Heb. 5:12-14) “Mature rifices to Jehovah, he met with
people” are not content to partake divine approval. Later, such God-
only of “milk.” They take in “solid fearing patriarchs as Noah, Abra-
food.” Therefore, they know both ham, Jacob, and Job offered simi-
“the elementary things” and “the lar sacrifices, which pleased God.
deep things” of the truth. (1 Cor. —Gen. 4:4; 8:20, 21; 22:13; 31:54;
2:10) Moreover, their percep- Job 1:5. w09 9/15 5:6, 7

27. Sunday, February 27 Monday, February 28
The woman was thoroughly de- There is no one like him in the
ceived.—1 Tim. 2:14. earth.—Job 1:8.
Many do not believe that Sa- Job is described as a man who
tan exists. Thus, although they “proved to be blameless and up-
might be alarmed about world right, and fearing God and turn-
conditions, they do not discern ing aside from bad.” It was Job’s
the real cause—Satan the Devil. godly devotion—not his wealth
True, much of the responsibility and influence—that made him a
for mankind’s woes rests with hu- target for the attacks of Satan
mans themselves. Our first par- the Devil. (Job 1:1; 29:7-16; 31:1)
ents, Adam and Eve, chose in- Satan claimed that Job’s wor-
dependence from their Creator. ship of God was based on selfish-
And since then, successive gener- ness, not integrity. Satan alleged
ations have acted very unwisely. that Job would be loyal to Jeho-
Still, it was the Devil who de- vah only as long as God contin-
ceived Eve into rebelling against ued to reward and protect him.
God. He is the one who has de- To provide an answer to Satan’s
veloped among imperfect, dying charge, Jehovah allowed Satan to
mankind a world system under attack that faithful man. As a re-
his control. Because Satan is “the sult, within the course of one day,
god of this system of things,” hu- Job learned that his livestock had
man society displays the same been stolen or destroyed, his at-
basic characteristics that he does tendants had been killed, and his
—pride, contentiousness, jealou- ten children had lost their lives.
sy, greed, deception, and rebel- (Job 1:13-19) Instead of caving in
liousness. (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 3:6; to Satan’s attack, Job said: “Jeho-
Jas. 3:14, 15) Such characteristics vah himself has given, and Jeho-
have led to political and religious vah himself has taken away. Let
conflicts, hatred, corruption, and the name of Jehovah continue to
disorder, which contribute much be blessed.”—Job 1:21. w09 4/15
to mankind’s misery. w09 4/15 2:4 1:3-5
Tuesday, March 1 ones into everlasting life.” “The
righteous ones” who receive ever-
When the Son of man arrives
lasting life are those who loyally
. . . , all the nations will be
support Christ’s spirit-anointed
gathered before him, and he will “brothers.” (Matt. 25:33, 34, 40,
separate people one from an- 41, 45, 46) Since the anointed are
other, just as a shepherd sepa- chosen to be rulers in the heav-
rates the sheep from the goats. enly Kingdom, “the righteous
—Matt. 25:31, 32. ones” must be the earthly sub-
Jesus spoke of everlasting life jects of that Kingdom. The Bi-
in his discourse about the con- ble foretold: “[Jehovah’s King]
clusion of the system of things. will have subjects from sea to sea
(Matt. 24:1-3) He mentioned that and from the River to the ends of
those receiving an adverse judg- the earth.” (Ps. 72:8) These sub-
ment “will depart into everlast- jects will enjoy everlasting life on
ing cutting-off, but the righteous earth. w09 8/15 2:6

28. Wednesday, March 2 parents, either for good or for
bad. So, parents, ask yourselves:
If anyone wants to come after
‘What message are we sending
me, let him disown himself and to our children when it comes to
. . . follow me continually. the amount of time that we dedi-
—Luke 9:23. cate to TV and entertainment on
How delighted Jehovah must the one hand and Bible study and
feel to see among the congregat- participation in the field service
ed throngs of his worshippers on on the other? What really are our
earth you newly interested ones family’s priorities? Are we setting
and young ones! As you continue a good example by centering our
to study the Bible, attend Chris- lives and our decisions on true
tian meetings regularly, and grow worship?’ God’s law must first be
in your knowledge of the lifesav- in the parents’ own hearts if they
ing truth found in God’s Word, are to rear God-fearing children.
you need to take to heart Je- w09 7/15 2:11, 12
sus’ invitation stated in today’s
text. Jesus is saying that disown- Friday, March 4
ing yourself and becoming his The princely rule will come to be
follower is something you would upon his shoulder. And his name
want to do. What about those of will be called Wonderful Coun-
us who are already walking in selor, Mighty God, Eternal Fa-
the footsteps of Jesus Christ? We ther, Prince of Peace.—Isa. 9:6.
are exhorted to “keep on doing
it more fully.” (1 Thess. 4:1, 2) John and the other three Gos-
Whether we embraced true wor- pel writers point to Moses, David,
ship recently or decades ago, re- and Solomon as men who fore-
flecting on reasons for following shadowed Jesus as God’s Anoint-
the Christ will help us to apply ed One and designated King. In
Paul’s exhortation and follow what way did those ancient ser-
Him ever more fully in our daily vants of God provide foregleams
lives. w09 5/15 4:1, 2 of Jesus, and what can we learn
from these accounts? In brief, the
Thursday, March 3 Bible tells us that Moses was a
These words that I am command- prophet, a mediator, and a de-
ing you today must prove to be on liverer. So is Jesus. David was a
shepherd and a king who con-
your heart.—Deut. 6:6.
quered Israel’s enemies. Jesus
Jesus is an excellent model for too is a shepherd and a conquer-
Christian parents. How so? He ing king. (Ezek. 37:24, 25) While
lovingly and patiently taught his still faithful, Solomon was a wise
disciples by word and example. ruler, and under his kingship Is-
He showed them how to carry rael enjoyed peace. (1 Ki. 4:25,
out the commission that he gave 29) Jesus too is supremely wise
them. (Luke 8:1) Jesus’ disposi- and is called “Prince of Peace.”
tion and conduct toward his dis- Clearly, Christ Jesus’ role resem-
ciples taught them how they were bles that of those earlier men but
to treat one another. (John 13:14- Jesus’ place in God’s purpose is
17) Children tend to imitate their superlative. w09 4/15 4:4, 5

29. Saturday, March 5 bring happiness to a worshipper
of Jehovah. (Prov. 3:13; 8:32, 33;
Have intense love for one 14:21; 16:20) Jesus emphasized
another.—1 Pet. 4:8. that true happiness stems from
Around the world, Jehovah’s things that are related to the
Witnesses are known for putting worship of Jehovah and the ful-
their Christlike love into action. fillment of God’s promises. Those
Consider the Witnesses who re- who apply the principles found
sponded to the call for help af- in Jesus’ teachings are drawn
ter storms and hurricanes dev- closer to Jehovah, “the source of
astated widespread areas of the life.” (Ps. 36:9; Prov. 22:11; Matt.
southern United States in 2005. 5:8) Christ embodies “the wisdom
Moved by Jesus’ example, more of God.” (1 Cor. 1:24, 30) As the
than 20,000 volunteered, many Messianic King, Jesus Christ has
leaving comfortable homes and “the spirit of wisdom.”—Isa. 11:2.
secure jobs to help their afflict- w09 4/15 5:14
ed brothers. Two fleshly sis- Monday, March 7
ters, widows, packed their be-
longings into a pickup truck and He was being pierced for our
drove over 2,000 miles to help. transgression.—Isa. 53:5.
More than 5,600 homes of Wit-
Isaiah foretold that the Messi-
nesses and others in the region
ah would be rejected, persecut-
have been rebuilt or repaired.
ed, and executed, or pierced, to
In numerous cases, displaced lo-
bear the sins of imperfect hu-
cal Witnesses remained in their mans. (Isa. 53:4, 7) Before he
temporary accommodations for a came to the earth, God’s only-
year or more after their houses begotten Son was aware of what
had been rebuilt. Why? In order our deliverance would cost him.
to make their new home available He would have to suffer terri-
to relief workers. What an exam- bly and then be put to death.
ple of displaying Christ’s mental When his Father taught him
attitude! w09 9/15 3:12-15 those truths, did he shrink back
or rebel? On the contrary, he sub-
Sunday, March 6
mitted willingly to his Father’s
Happy are those conscious of instruction. (Isa. 50:4-6) Like-
their spiritual need, since the wise, while on earth, Jesus obe-
kingdom of the heavens belongs diently carried out his Father’s
to them.—Matt. 5:3. will. Why? He provided one an-
swer in these words: “I love the
Only one human clearly sur- Father.” He provided another in
passed Solomon in wisdom. That these: “No one has love greater
was Jesus Christ, who described than this, that someone should
himself as “something more than surrender his soul in behalf of
Solomon.” (Matt. 12:42) Jesus his friends.” (John 14:31; 15:13) So
sp oke “sayings of everlasting our deliverance is due, in large
life.” (John 6:68) For example, the part, to the love of Jehovah’s Son.
Sermon on the Mount expands on Though it cost him his perfect
the principles of some of Solo- human life, he was glad to do it
mon’s proverbs. Solomon de- for the sake of our deliverance.
scribed a number of things that w09 9/15 5:10, 11

30. Tuesday, March 8 selves with having the good sense
to find the truth? No. In fact,
If . . . it is I you are looking for,
on our own initiative, we would
let these go.—John 18:8. never have come to a knowledge
Jesus manifested great courage of God. Jesus said: “No man can
throughout his ministry. Exercis- come to me unless the Father,
ing his authority as God’s Son, he who sent me, draws him.” (John 6:
fearlessly “entered into the tem- 44) By means of the preaching
ple and threw out all those sell- work and by means of holy spir-
ing and buying in the temple, and it, Jehovah is drawing sheep-
overturned the tables of the mon- like individuals, “the desirable
ey changers and the benches of things of all the nations.” (Hag.
those selling doves.” (Matt. 21:12) 2:7) Are you not grateful to be
When soldiers came to arrest Je- one of those whom Jehovah has
sus on his last night on earth, he drawn to his Son?—Jer. 9:23, 24.
courageously stepped forward to w09 9/15 4:4, 5
protect his disciples, saying the
words of today’s text. Moments Thursday, March 10
later, he told Peter to put away
Be wise, my son, and make my
his sword, thus showing that the
source of Jesus’ confidence lay, heart rejoice, that I may make
not in earthly weapons, but in a reply to him that is taunting
Jehovah. (John 18:11) Jesus fear- me.—Prov. 27:11.
lessly exposed the unloving false Jehovah permitted Satan to
teachers of his day and their
test the integrity of God’s loy-
wrong teachings. (Matt. 23:13, 23,
al servant Job. As a result, Job
25) Jesus’ disciples would need
lost his livestock, his children,
similar courage because false re-
and his health. But when Sa-
ligious leaders would also perse-
tan challenged Job’s integrity,
cute them and kill some of them.
he had more in mind than just
—Matt. 23:34; 24:9. w09 9/15 2:
12, 13 the man Job. “Skin in behalf of
skin, and everything that a man
Wednesday, March 9 has he will give in behalf of his
soul,” claimed Satan. This chal-
[God] gives undeserved kindness lenge raised an issue that went
to the humble ones.—1 Pet. 5:5. far beyond Job as an individual
How can we qualify to bene- and that has continued long after
fit from divine education? A ma- his death. (Job 2:4) In a vision
jor requirement is that a per- given to the apostle John, Satan
son be meek and teachable. The was seen accusing God’s servants
psalmist David wrote: “[Jeho- following his eviction from heav-
vah] will teach the meek ones his en some time after the establish-
way.” (Ps. 25:8, 9) And Jesus said: ment of God’s Kingdom in 1914.
“You have carefully hidden these Yes, even today, so deep into the
things from wise and intellectual last days of this wicked system,
ones, and have revealed them to Satan is still challenging the in-
babes.” (Luke 10:21) As servants tegrity of God’s servants!—Rev.
of Jehovah, can we credit our- 12:10. w09 4/15 2:1, 2

31. Friday, March 11 lent grasp of the truth, yet even
he had times when it was a strug-
The [human] creation was sub-
gle for him to preach. To the
jected to futility . . . on the basis Christians in Thessalonica, Paul
of hope.—Rom. 8:20. wrote: “After we had first suf-
The very first prophecy of the fered and been insolently treated
Bible pointed to a “seed” that (just as you know) in Philippi, we
would ‘bruise the serp ent in mustered up boldness by means
the head.’ (Gen. 3:1-5, 15) That of our God to speak to you the
promise provided a basis for hope good news of God with a great
that God would not abandon his deal of struggling.” (1 Thess. 2:2)
purpose for mankind. Consid- In Philippi the authorities had
er Abraham. When being tested, beaten Paul and his compan-
Abraham “as good as offered up ion Silas with rods, thrown them
Isaac, . . . his only-begotten son.” into prison, and confined them in
(Heb. 11:17) Why was he willing stocks.—Acts 16:16-24. w09 7/15
to do this? (Heb. 11:19) He be- 4:3, 4
lieved in the resurrection! Abra-
ham had a basis for his belief. Af- Sunday, March 13
ter all, Jehovah had brought back They will by no means ever be de-
to life Abraham’s reproductive stroyed, and no one will snatch
powers and had made it possible them out of my hand.
for him and his wife, Sarah, to —John 10:28.
produce a son in their old age.
(Gen. 18:10-14; 21:1-3; Rom. 4:19- At the Festival of Dedication
21) Abraham also had Jehovah’s in Jerusalem, Jesus told his op-
word. God had said to him: “It posers: “You do not believe, be-
is by means of Isaac that what cause you are none of my sheep.
will be called your seed will be.” My sheep listen to my voice, and
(Gen. 21:12) Therefore, Abraham I know them, and they follow
had sound reasons for expecting me. And I give them everlasting
that God would resurrect Isaac. life.” (John 10:26-28) Was Jesus
w09 8/15 1:4, 5 speaking only of life in heaven, or
did he also have in mind eter-
Saturday, March 12 nal life in an earthly paradise?
If they have persecuted me, they Jesus had recently comforted his
will persecute you also. followers with the words: “Have
no fear, little flock, because your
—John 15:20.
Father has approved of giving
In many lands we do not face you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
outright persecution, but we do At the time of this same Festi-
meet with disdain and apathy. val of Dedication, however, Jesus
Consequently, we need faith and said: “I have other sheep, which
courage to endure in our work are not of this fold; those also I
of preaching the good news with must bring.” (John 10:16) Hence,
boldness. (2 Pet. 1:5-8) Perhaps when Jesus spoke to those oppos-
you at times find it hard to share ers, his words included both the
in the ministry, or some aspect hope of heavenly life for the “lit-
of it may seem intimidating. The tle flock” and the hope of ever-
apostle Paul was a bold and fear- lasting life on earth for millions
less preacher who had an excel- of “other sheep.” w09 8/15 2:12

32. Monday, March 14 fice of oversight.” (Acts 1:20-26)
What was the primary concern
Never has another man spoken
of the 12 apostles? The answer
like this.—John 7:46. is found in the words of today’s
The Bible gives us glimpses text, in response to a dispute
of the impact Jesus made on that arose about the daily dis-
those who met him. For instance, tribution of food to widows. (Acts
Gospel writer Luke relates that 6:1-3) The new arrangement re-
people in Jesus’ hometown “be- sulted in Jehovah’s blessing as
gan . . . to marvel at the win- “the word of God went on grow-
some words proceeding out of ing, and the number of the dis-
his mouth.” Matthew rep orts ciples kept multiplying in Jeru-
that those who listened to Je- salem very much.” (Acts 6:7) So
sus as he taught in the Sermon the primary responsibility for
on the Mount “were astound- the spiritual feeding work rest-
ed at his way of teaching.” And ed with the apostles.—Acts 2:42.
John observes that the officers w09 6/15 4:7, 8
who were sent to arrest Jesus
returned empty-handed, saying: Wednesday, March 16
“Never has another man spoken Speak truth each one of you
like this.” (Luke 4:22; Matt. 7: with his neighbor.—Eph. 4:25.
28) Jesus was unquestionably the
greatest Teacher who ever lived. First-century Roman Governor
He taught with clarity, simplici- Pontius Pilate reflected a warped
ty, and irrefutable logic. He skill- view of truth when he cynical-
fully used illustrations and ques- ly asked Jesus: “What is truth?”
tions. He adapted his teaching to (John 18:38) Conflicting attitudes
those to whom he spoke, wheth- about truth abound in our day.
er they were of high station or Many people say that the word
low. The truths he taught were “truth” has various shades of
easy to grasp yet truly profound. meaning or that truth differs
w09 7/15 3:1, 2 from one person to another. Oth-
ers are truthful only when it
Tuesday, March 15 is convenient or expedient. The
We shall devote ourselves . . . to book The Importance of Lying
the ministry of the word. states: “Honesty may be a noble
ideal, but it has little value in the
—Acts 6:4.
life and death struggle for sur-
When Jesus app ointed his vival and security. Man has lit-
12 apostles, their primary work tle choice in the matter—he must
involved being sent out to preach lie to live.” How different it is for
the good news to others. (Mark Christ’s disciples! Jesus’ view of
3:13-15) This assignment was in truth was not philosophical. He
harmony with the basic mean- always spoke the truth. Even his
ing of the Greek word aposto- enemies acknowledged: “Teach-
los, which is derived from a verb er, we know you are truthful and
meaning simply “send forth.” teach the way of God in truth.”
However, as time went on and (Matt. 22:16) Genuine Christians
the Christian congregation was imitate Jesus’ example. They do
about to be established, the role not hesitate to speak the truth.
of an ap ostle became an “of- w09 6/15 3:1-3