Our Christian Life and Ministry. March 10 through March 16 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Proverbs 4]
[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 4] Listen, my sons, to the discipline of a father; Pay attention in order to gain understanding, 2 For I will give you good instruction; Do not forsake my teaching. 3 I was a true son to my father And the one especially loved by my mother. 4 He taught me and said: “May your heart hold fast to my words. Keep my commandments and continue living. 5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from what I say. 6 Do not forsake it, and it will protect you. Love it, and it will safeguard you. 7 Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding. 8 Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will honor you because you embrace it. 9 It will place an attractive wreath on your head; It will adorn you with a crown of beauty.” 10 Listen, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. 11 I will instruct you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you in the tracks of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; And if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil men. 15 Shun it, do not take it; Turn away from it, and pass it by. 16 For they cannot sleep unless they do what is bad. They are robbed of sleep unless they cause someone’s downfall. 17 They feed themselves with the bread of wickedness, And they drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight. 19 The way of the wicked is like the darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, pay attention to my words; Listen carefully to my sayings. 21 Do not lose sight of them; Keep them deep within your heart, 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to their whole body. 23 Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life. 24 Put crooked speech away from you, And keep devious talk far away from you. 25 Your eyes should look straight ahead, Yes, fix your gaze straight ahead of you. 26 Smooth out the course of your feet, And all your ways will be sure. 27 Do not incline to the right or the left. Turn your feet away from what is bad. [End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]
Song 36 We Guard Our Hearts. Based on Proverbs 4.23
1. We guard our hearts, it means our life;
We shun the path of sin.
God reads the heart, and there he finds
The person deep within.
Sometimes the heart deceives the mind,
And we begin to stray.
So may our mind direct our heart
And keep Jehovah’s way.
2. Prepared in heart, we search for God
By means of earnest prayer.
Each day we give him praise and thanks,
Revealing ev’ry care.
The things Jehovah teaches us,
We gladly will obey.
We cultivate a loyal heart,
To please him ev’ry day.
3. Our hearts we shield from harmful thoughts,
We dwell on what is true.
We love God’s Word to touch our hearts,
To strengthen and renew.
Jehovah loves his loyal ones;
On this we can depend.
We’ll worship him wholeheartedly
Forever as his friend.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. “Safeguard Your Heart” (10 minutes)
[Image Alt:] A watchman on a watchtower, instructing the gatekeepers below to close the city gates. Caption: Watchmen and gatekeepers reacting quickly to an enemy approaching the city
The term “heart” refers to the inner person
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 51.6: Look! You find pleasure in truth in the inner person; Teach my innermost self true wisdom. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2019.01 page 15 paragraph 4] At Proverbs 4.23, the term “heart” is used to refer to “the inner person” or “secret self.”
[Quotation] Psalm 51.6: Look! You find pleasure in truth in the inner person* [Footnote] or “my secret self” [End of Footnote]; Teach my innermost self true wisdom. [End Quotation]
In other words, “heart” refers to our private thoughts, feelings, motives, and desires. It is who we really are on the inside, not just who we appear to be on the outside. [End of reference material]
Our priority should be to safeguard it
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 4.23a: Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2019.01 page 17 paragraphs 10 and 11] 10. If we are to succeed in safeguarding our heart, we must be able to identify dangers and react quickly to protect ourselves. The word translated “safeguard” at Proverbs 4:23 reminds us of the work done by a watchman. In King Solomon’s day, watchmen stood guard on the walls of a city and sounded an alarm if they saw danger approaching. That mental picture helps us understand what we must do to stop Satan from corrupting our thinking.
11. In ancient times, watchmen worked closely with city gatekeepers.
[Quotation] 2 Samuel 18.24 through 26: Now David was sitting between the two city gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall. He looked up and saw a man running by himself. 25 So the watchman called out and told the king. The king said: “If he is by himself, he has news to tell.” As he came steadily nearer, 26 the watchman saw another man running. The watchman then called to the gatekeeper: “Look! Another man running by himself!” The king said: “This one is also bringing news.” [End Quotation]
Together, they helped protect the city by making sure that the gates were closed whenever an enemy came near.
[Quotation] Nehemiah 7.1 through 3: As soon as the wall had been rebuilt I set up the doors; then the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites were appointed. 2 I then put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the chief of the Fortress, for he was a most trustworthy man and feared the true God more than many others. 3 So I said to them: “The gates of Jerusalem should not be opened until the heat of the day, and while they are standing guard, they should shut the doors and bolt them. And assign the inhabitants of Jerusalem as guards, each to his assigned guardpost and each in front of his own house.” [End Quotation]
Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart, in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak. [End of reference material]
[Reference material Watchtower 2019.01 page 18 paragraph 14] To safeguard our heart, we must not only close it to wrong influences but also open it to positive influences. Think again about the illustration of a walled city. A gatekeeper closed the gates of the city to stop an enemy invasion, but at other times he opened the gates to allow food and other supplies to be brought in. If the gates were never open, the inhabitants of the city would starve. Similarly, we need to open our heart regularly to the influence of God’s thinking. [End of reference material]
Our life depends on the condition of our figurative heart
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 4.23b: For out of it are the sources of life. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2012 May 1st page 32 paragraph 2] Why should we safeguard our figurative heart? God moved King Solomon to write: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Proverbs 4.23) The quality of our life now and our prospects for future life depend on the condition of our figurative heart. Why? Because God sees what is in our heart.
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 16.7: But Jehovah said to Samuel: “Do not pay attention to his appearance and how tall he is, for I have rejected him. For the way man sees is not the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes, but Jehovah sees into the heart.” [End Quotation]
It is the kind of person we are inside, in the “secret person of the heart,” that determines how God feels about us.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.4: but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
![[Image:] A brother turning away from something inappropriate on his smartphone.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_3fda8fd0261e4fbda914500c5e7209bd~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_962,h_541,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpeg)
[Image Alt:] A brother turning away from something inappropriate on his smartphone.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Proverbs 4.18 How can this verse be applied to a Christian’s spiritual growth?
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 4.18: But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2021.08 page 8 paragraph 4] Proverbs 4.18 tells us that “the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.” These words aptly apply to the way in which Jehovah reveals his purpose to his people, gradually. However, the verse can also be applied more broadly to the way in which a Christian makes spiritual progress in his life. Spiritual growth cannot be rushed. It takes time. If we diligently study and apply the counsel we receive through God’s Word and his organization, we will gradually develop a Christlike personality. We will also grow in our knowledge of God. Consider how Jesus illustrated that point. [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Proverbs 4.1 through 18 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 12)
Proverbs 4.1 through 18 Listen, my sons, to the discipline of a father; Pay attention in order to gain understanding, For I will give you good instruction; Do not forsake my teaching. I was a true son to my father And the one especially loved by my mother. He taught me and said: “May your heart hold fast to my words. Keep my commandments and continue living. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from what I say. Do not forsake it, and it will protect you. Love it, and it will safeguard you. Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding. Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will honor you because you embrace it. It will place an attractive wreath on your head; It will adorn you with a crown of beauty.” Listen, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I will instruct you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you in the tracks of uprightness. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; And if you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil men. Shun it, do not take it; Turn away from it, and pass it by. For they cannot sleep unless they do what is bad. They are robbed of sleep unless they cause someone’s downfall. They feed themselves with the bread of wickedness, And they drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight. [End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 12. Warmth and Empathy.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8: On the contrary, we became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us. [End Quotation]
Summary: Speak with genuine emotion, and show your listeners you care.
[Press play below for Video: Study 12. Warmth and Empathy. (5:14)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 12. Warmth and Empathy]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 12. Warmth and Empathy. 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8. Summary: Speak with genuine emotion and show your listeners you care.)
Presenter: The apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Thessalonica: We became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us. Paul cared, and his fellow believers could sense that by the way he spoke to them. This made his teaching more effective. Likewise, if our audience feels that we genuinely care for them, that we’re not there simply to deliver information or fulfil an assignment, they’ll be more likely to listen and respond. So how can we show genuine warmth and empathy? We need to think about our listeners.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners)
For example, before going in the ministry, reflect on specific problems that people in the territory are concerned about. What are their beliefs? Try to imagine how they feel. When preparing a talk, remind yourself of what your brothers and sisters may be facing and how you can encourage them.
(Text: Choose your words carefully)
Then use expressions that refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners. Be careful not to speak disparagingly of people or their beliefs. When conversing with older people or those in authority, use words that show respect. Let’s watch a brother giving a public talk. Do his words show empathy for his audience?
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: The evolution theory is very popular today. But it’s hard to understand how intelligent people could believe such an illogical theory. Many believe it simply because so-called educated people do, including many scientists. So how can we help them to examine matters for themselves and see how ridiculous evolution is?
Presenter: If someone in the audience believed in evolution, how would he feel? Let’s watch the speaker try again but this time with more empathy.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: The evolution theory is very popular today. But why do many people believe it? Perhaps they were taught evolution in school and were offered no other plausible explanation. How can we help people to examine the facts for themselves?
Presenter: This time, the speaker didn’t insult people because of their viewpoint. At the same time, he aroused interest in additional facts that are worthy of consideration. What else can indicate warmth and empathy? Tone, not just what you say but how you say it.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Choose your words carefully)
A warm tone of voice along with appropriate gestures and facial expressions shows sincere interest. Let’s watch a publisher in the house-to-house ministry. Does she show interest by the way she speaks?
(At a door, a sister speaks with a woman)
Householder: I’m sorry. I can’t talk to you today. I just lost my mother, and I’m meeting with the funeral director this afternoon.
Sister: I’m sorry. It’s so painful when a loved one dies. When I lost my mother a few years ago, I found some Bible verses to be very comforting.
Presenter: Although there was nothing wrong with what our sister said,
her delivery lacked warmth and empathy. Let’s give her a second chance.
(At a door, the sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: I’m sorry. It’s so painful when a loved one dies. When I lost my mother a few years ago, I found some Bible verses to be very comforting. Some of them are in this tract. But maybe we can discuss them briefly another time.
Presenter: Our sister said exactly the same thing, but this time she spoke with emotion, and so her words were more effective. When we speak with genuine emotion, we show our listeners that we care. But be careful not to force or exaggerate emotions. If you’re reading a scripture, try to express the feelings indicated in the passage, but don’t draw undue attention to yourself.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Choose your words carefully. Show your interest)
So, by thinking about your listeners, choosing your words carefully, and showing your interest, you’ll refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 12. Warmth and Empathy. 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Think about your listeners. Prepare your heart by reminding yourself of the problems they face. Try to imagine how they feel.
Choose your words carefully. Seek to refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners. Avoid expressions that could needlessly offend them, and do not speak disparagingly of unbelievers or their sincerely held beliefs.
Show your interest. With a kind tone of voice and appropriate gestures, show your listeners that you really care. Be mindful of your facial expressions; smile often.
Tip: Do not force or exaggerate emotions. While reading, express the feelings indicated in the passage, but do not draw undue attention to yourself. Since emphasizing consonants can result in a cold, clipped delivery, draw out vowels to warm up the tone of your voice. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Starting a Conversation (3 minutes)
House to House. The person expresses interest after receiving the Memorial invitation. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 1 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Interest in Others] Imitate Jesus. Listen. a. Don’t talk too much. b. Encourage the other person to express himself. When appropriate, ask questions. [End of Reference material]
5. Starting a Conversation (4 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Invite an acquaintance to the Memorial. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 2 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Naturalness] Imitate Philip. Be observant. A person’s facial expressions and body language can reveal a lot. Does the person seem willing to speak with you? You might introduce a Bible truth by simply asking, “Did you know that ... ?” Avoid forcing a conversation with someone who does not want to talk. [End of Reference material]
6. Explaining Your Beliefs (5 minutes)
Demonstration, Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses, article article 19. Theme: Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Celebrate Easter? (Love People Make Disciples lesson 3 point 4)
[Reference Material Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses, article Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Celebrate Easter?] Common misconceptions.
Myth: The reason why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Easter is that they are not Christians. Fact: We believe Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we do our best to “follow his steps closely.”
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2.21: In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Luke 2.11: For today there was born to you in David’s city a savior, who is Christ the Lord. [End Quotation]
Myth: You do not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. Fact: We believe in Jesus’ resurrection; we recognize it as core to the Christian faith and highlight it in our preaching.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15.3 and 4: For among the first things I handed on to you was what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, yes, that he was raised up on the third day according to the Scriptures; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15.12 through 15: Now if it is being preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If, indeed, there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised up. 14 But if Christ has not been raised up, our preaching is certainly in vain, and your faith is also in vain. 15 Moreover, we are also found to be false witnesses of God, because we have given witness against God by saying that he raised up the Christ, whom he did not raise up if the dead are really not to be raised up. [End Quotation]
Myth: You do not care that your children miss out on the joy of the Easter holiday. Fact: We love our children, we expend ourselves in training them and helping them to be happy.
[Quotation] Titus 2.4: so that they may advise the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, [End Quotation]
Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate Easter? The Easter holiday celebration is not based on the Bible. Jesus commanded that we commemorate his death, not his resurrection. We observe this Memorial each year on the anniversary of his death according to the Bible’s lunar calendar.
[Quotation] Luke 22.19: Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This means my body, which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” 20 Also, he did the same with the cup after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf. [End Quotation]
We believe that the origins of Easter customs, which come from ancient fertility rites, make Easter unacceptable to God. God requires that we give him “exclusive devotion,” and he is offended by worship that includes practices that he does not approve of.
[Quotation] Exodus 20.5: You must not bow down to them nor be enticed to serve them, for I, Jehovah your God, am a God who requires exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me, [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Kings 18.21: Then Elijah approached all the people and said: “How long will you be limping between two different opinions? If Jehovah is the true God, follow him; but if Baal is, follow him!” But the people did not say a word in answer to him. [End Quotation]
We believe that our decision to abstain from celebrating Easter is based firmly on the Bible, which encourages the use of “practical wisdom and thinking ability” rather than simply following human traditions.
[Quotation] Proverbs 3.21: My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 15.3: In reply he said to them: “Why do you overstep the commandment of God because of your tradition? [End Quotation]
While we share our beliefs about Easter with others when asked, we also respect each person’s right to decide what he will do.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.15: But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect. [End Quotation]
[End of reference material]
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Kindness] Imitate jesus. Speak kindly and respectfully. When you feel compassion for the person and truly want to help him, it will come through in the way you speak. Choose your words and tone of voice carefully, and avoid saying things that could offend. [End of Reference material]
Living as Christians Song 16 Praise Jah for His Son, the Anointed. Based on Revelation 21.2
1. Jehovah anointed his Son
To rule over ev’ryone.
His throne is established on justice,
That God’s will on earth may be done.
Praise Jah for his Son, the Anointed.
Praise Jesus, O you faithful sheep,
Who loyally follow day after day
and all his commandments keep.
Praise Jah for his Son, the Anointed,
the Ruler of heavenly fame,
Anointed with exultation and might
to honor God’s holy name.
2. Christ’s brothers are chosen and called.
God gives them their own new birth.
This bride class will share in the Kingdom
And bring Paradise to this earth.
Praise Jah for his Son, the Anointed.
Praise Jesus, O you faithful sheep,
Who loyally follow day after day
and all his commandments keep.
Praise Jah for his Son, the Anointed,
the Ruler of heavenly fame,
Anointed with exultation and might
to honor God’s holy name.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Organizational Accomplishments for March (10 minutes)
Play the video.
[Press play below for Video: Organizational Accomplishments (7:48)]
[Click for transcript]|[Organizational Accomplishments. Prison Witnessing
[A white line runs across a black screen then expands into a banner of six circular images featuring theocratic activities]
[Service Committee Report. Prison Witnessing]
(Text: Anthony Griffin. Helper to the Service Committee)
Anthony: Jesus was the perfect example of kindness and understanding. The prophet Isaiah wrote about him:
[42 verse 3]
“No crushed reed will he break, and no smoldering wick will he extinguish.” He showed love to all who were broken in spirit and in search of compassion. Similarly, we aim to show compassion to all, including those in prisons. Their accounts show why our prison ministry is so needed. It is a pleasure to share the accomplishments made in this essential work.
(Text: Scott Pifer. United States Branch Committee)
Scott: As far back as 1918, there were Bible studies being conducted in prison. In recent times, there is great emphasis on being proactive, really reaching out, trying to speak to prison officials so that we can help ones that are in prison that want to have a relationship with the Creator.
(Text: Carmine Boscaino. Italy Branch Committee)
Carmine: We recognize that those in prison are serving a sentence for a crime committed.
[Italy]
However, Jehovah wants all sorts of people to come to know him. The Service Department organizes the work of contact congregations that oversee and support prison ministers.
(Text: Caleb Loyola. Colombia Branch Committee)
Caleb: A congregation is assigned as the contact congregation,
[Colombia]
and they obtain the required permits and organize the preaching work in the prison. They also select the publishers who will participate in this preaching activity.
Scott: We receive letters from ones in prison. They express their appreciation for ones visiting them and sharing the good news of the Kingdom. And we see ones responding to it and becoming our brothers and sisters.
(Text: Joel T Grim. Ghana Branch Committee)
Joel:Those who have accepted the truth and have gotten baptized in prison have had a powerful influence on others.
They see this individual changing in his actions, his speech, and his thinking. And so they’re curious, what is motivating this change? So often they take an interest, and then they too may request Bible studies.
Anthony: Prison systems are different in each country. Let’s see how our brothers have adapted.
Scott: Flexibility is needed. It’s actually required because all these correctional facilities have different requirements. They don’t always allow brothers and sisters to visit in the prison. So then you have to look for other ways.
Carmine: Special campaigns are arranged where our prison ministers meet with prison officials to have specific Watchtower articles distributed to the inmates.
Joel: In some of our prisons, we’ve been able to make arrangements to show the recordings of the regional conventions and the assemblies and this has had a tremendous effect, with many being invited and enjoying those programs.
Anthony: About 11.5 million people around the world are incarcerated and need to learn about God’s love for them.
(Text: Renzo Rodriguez. Prison Ministry Local Contact Colombia)
Renzo: Although many brothers and sisters in local congregations help us, it’s not always easy. The reason is that we have to organize our secular work and our family responsibilities, and sometimes we have to travel long distances. We feel built up and comforted because we see that they value all of the efforts that we make.
[A brother conducts a group study]
We value those who volunteer to support this arrangement.
[Another, a meeting]
If you live in an area where such a facility is located, can you have a share? If so, depending on the gender of those assigned to such a facility, could you offer your time and efforts to assist? We can all pray for the prisoners who respond favorably to the message and for those who teach them.
[At a meeting, female prisoners share a Watchtower]
Anthony: Our brothers and sisters work hard to find and help truth-seekers in this unique setting. What have been the results?
[Interviews.]
(Text: Italy)
Brother 1: Living in such a dangerous and controlled environment is not easy.
(Text: United States)
Brother 2: There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t regret who I was, what I was, and where I was at. It was very painful to just look at myself in the mirror. It’s one of the hardest things, being in prison that you can’t afford to show love. And you can’t expect to get it either.
(Text: United States)
Sister 1: When you’re incarcerated, the isolation is just overwhelmingly, just indescribable.
(Text: Ghana)
Brother 3: You feel like death is even better than living.
Brother 1: I was introduced to the truth at a very dark and critical time in my life, at the beginning of my incarceration.
Brother 3: I was introduced to the Bible by a fellow inmate.
Sister 1: I first came in contact with the truth when I was in the county jail.
Brother 2: It was after coming out of solitary confinement that I was moved to a cell, and I noticed there were some books on the table. Some of those books were Bibles.
Brother 1: I was finally moved to a penitentiary where I could speak to one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and there I got to know the truth.
Brother 2: We would have meetings there in the prison. And we started studying the Bible.
Sister 1: And learning about Jehovah in a group setting like that with the volunteers was absolutely so wonderful. It became the highlight of my week.
Brother 2: Those brothers who would come in faithfully every week and study the Bible with me, they showed me love.
Sister 1: I had never seen anyone as kind and loving and caring as they were.
Brother 3: It was a source of encouragement to us anytime that they came.
Brother 1: Studying the Bible had an impact on me right from the start. I felt calmer and more at peace with myself.
Brother 2: When the truth became real to me, the bars disappeared, the guards disappeared, the concrete. None of those things mattered anymore. Because to me, I had purpose in life now and I was happy.
Brother 1: I could really trust God and be a free man, even if I was still in prison.
Sister 1: I went from wanting to just die to wanting to be there in God’s new world. And then to realize that he had made that way, even for me, was just incredible.
Anthony: First Timothy 2:4 says that Jehovah wants “all sorts of people . . . [to] come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” So we see the ‘crushed reeds and smoldering wicks’ of this world as Jehovah and Jesus see them: full of potential,
[Ghana, Baptized in 95]
potential to change,
[US, Baptized in 99]
potential to grow,
[Italy, Baptized in 09]
potential to become friends of Jehovah.
[US, Baptized in 03]
(Logo inside a White box. Black capital letters JW.ORG. Copyright 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
8. Memorial Campaign to Begin Saturday, March 15 (5 minutes)
Talk by the service overseer. Outline local arrangements for the campaign, special talk, and Memorial. Encourage all to increase their activity during the months of March and April.
9. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 23 paragraphs 16 through 19, box “The Sadducees and the Pharisees” [Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
“I Am a Pharisee” (Acts 23.1 through 10)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 23.1 through 10] Looking intently at the Sanhedrin, Paul said: “Men, brothers, I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him: “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Do you sit to judge me according to the Law and at the same time violate the Law by commanding me to be struck?” 4 Those standing by said: “Are you insulting the high priest of God?” 5 And Paul said: “Brothers, I did not know he was high priest. For it is written,‘You must not speak injuriously of a ruler of your people.’” 6 Now Paul, knowing that the one part was made up of Sadducees but the other of Pharisees, cried out in the Sanhedrin: “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.” 7 Because he said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was split. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is neither resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees accept them all. 9 So a great uproar broke out, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees rose and began arguing fiercely, saying: “We find nothing wrong in this man, but if a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” 10 Now when the dissension grew great, the military commander feared that Paul would be torn apart by them, and he commanded the soldiers to go down and snatch him from their midst and bring him into the soldiers’ quarters. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 16 and 17a. Describe what happened when Paul addressed the Sanhedrin.
Question 16 and 17b. When he was struck, how did Paul set an example of humility?
16. Beginning his defense before the Sanhedrin, Paul said: “Men, brothers, I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this day.”
[Quotation] Acts 23.1: Looking intently at the Sanhedrin, Paul said: “Men, brothers, I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this day.” [End Quotation]
He got no further. The record says: “At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing by him to strike him on the mouth.” (Acts 23.2) What an insult! And what a revelation of prejudice, to brand Paul a liar before any evidence was heard! No wonder Paul responded: “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Do you sit to judge me according to the Law and at the same time violate the Law by commanding me to be struck?” (Acts 23.3).
17. Some standing by professed shock, not at the one who struck Paul but at Paul’s reaction! They demanded: “Are you insulting the high priest of God?” In answer, Paul gave them a lesson in humility and in respect for the Law. He said: “Brothers, I did not know he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You must not speak injuriously of a ruler of your people.’”* (Acts 23.4 and 5)
[Quotation] Exodus 22.28: “You must not curse God nor curse a chieftain among your people. [End Quotation]
[Footnote] Some have suggested that Paul had weak eyesight that prevented him from recognizing the high priest. Or perhaps he had been absent from Jerusalem for so long that he could not identify the current high priest. Or maybe Paul just could not see through the crowd who it was that gave the order to strike him. [End of footnote] Paul now adopted a different strategy. Taking note that the Sanhedrin was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, he said: “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.”
[Quotation] Acts 23.6: Now Paul, knowing that the one part was made up of Sadducees but the other of Pharisees, cried out in the Sanhedrin: “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.” [End Quotation]
Question 18. Why did Paul call himself a Pharisee, and how might we use similar reasoning in certain circumstances?
18. Why did Paul call himself a Pharisee? Because he was “a son of Pharisees” from a family belonging to that sect. Hence, many would still view him as such.* [Footnote] In 49 C.E., when the apostles and elders were discussing whether Gentiles had to submit to the Mosaic Law, some among the Christians present were identified as “those of the sect of the Pharisees who had become believers.”
[Quotation] Acts 15.5: But some of those of the sect of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up from their seats and said: “It is necessary to circumcise them and command them to observe the Law of Moses.” [End Quotation]
Evidently, those believers were still identified in some sense with their Pharisaic background. [End of footnote] How, though, could Paul associate himself with the Pharisees’ belief in a resurrection? Reportedly, the Pharisees believed that a conscious soul survived death and that the souls of the righteous would live again in human bodies. Paul did not believe such notions. He believed in the resurrection as taught by Jesus.
[Quotation] John 5.25 through 29: “Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. [End Quotation]
Still, Paul did agree with the Pharisees that there was a hope of life beyond death, as opposed to the Sadducees, who did not believe in a future life. We might use similar reasoning when discussing matters with Catholics or Protestants. We could say that like them, we believe in God. Granted, they may believe in the Trinity while we believe in the God of the Bible. Still, we do share the belief that there is a God.
[Image Alt:] A clergyman looking carefully at a scripture in his Bible while a brother witnesses to him. Caption: Like Paul, we seek common ground when speaking to those of a different religious background
Question 19. Why did the meeting of the Sanhedrin break up in disorder?
19. Paul’s statement split the Sanhedrin. The record says: “A great uproar broke out, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees rose and began arguing fiercely, saying: ‘We find nothing wrong in this man, but if a spirit or an angel spoke to him.’” (Acts 23.9) The very suggestion that an angel might have spoken to Paul was anathema to the Sadducees, who did not believe in angels! (See the box “The Sadducees and the Pharisees.”) The tumult became so great that the Roman military commander once again rescued the apostle.
[Quotation] Acts 23.10: Now when the dissension grew great, the military commander feared that Paul would be torn apart by them, and he commanded the soldiers to go down and snatch him from their midst and bring him into the soldiers’ quarters. [End Quotation]
Still, Paul was hardly out of danger. What would happen to the apostle now? We will learn more in the following chapter.
[Box] The Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Sanhedrin, the national administrative council and high court of the Jews, was dominated by two rival sects, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. According to first-century historian Flavius Josephus, the main difference between these parties was that the Pharisees sought to impose a great number of traditional observances on the people, whereas the Sadducees considered obligatory only what was found in the Law of Moses. Both schools of thought were united in their opposition to Jesus. It appears that the Sadducees, who were basically conservative, had close ties to the priesthood and that Annas and Caiaphas, both of whom had served as the high priest, belonged to this powerful sect.
[Quotation] Acts 5.17: But the high priest rose, and all those with him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, and they were filled with jealousy. [End Quotation]
Josephus says, however, that its teachings could “persuade none but the rich.” The Pharisees, on the other hand, had great influence over the masses. Yet, their views, which included insistence on extreme ceremonial purity, made observing the Law burdensome for the people. In contrast with the Sadducees, the Pharisees attributed great importance to fate and believed that a soul survived death, after which it received a just reward or punishment for its virtues or its vices. [End of box]
Song 76 How Does It Make You Feel? Based on Hebrews 13.15
1. How does it make you feel
when you preach and teach with zeal,
When you know you’ve done your part
to reach an honest heart?
Knowing you’ve done your best;
then our God will do the rest.
Honest hearts he surely knows
all those to him disposed.
It makes us glad, and we rejoice
to give our heart and mind and voice.
So may our sacrifice of praise
continue all our days.
2. How does it make you feel
when the words you speak appeal
To the ones whose heart is right
for everlasting life?
Some people turn away,
others might be led astray.
Still we’re glad to bear his name
and witness just the same.
It makes us glad, and we rejoice
to give our heart and mind and voice.
So may our sacrifice of praise
continue all our days.
3. How does it make you feel,
knowing God’s support is real,
And that he’s entrusted you
to do the work we do?
Proudly we preach and teach,
using bold but gracious speech,
Searching out deserving ones;
this work will soon be done.
It makes us glad, and we rejoice
to give our heart and mind and voice.
So may our sacrifice of praise
continue all our days.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
