Congregation Bible Study

Song 56

Please Hear My Prayer (Psalm 54)

1. Heavenly Father, please hear my song.

You are my God; to you I belong.

Great is your name, beyond all compare.

(CHORUS)

Gracious Jehovah, please hear my prayer.

2. Thank you, Dear God, for granting this day,

Giving me life, and showing the way.

How I delight in your tender care.

(CHORUS)

Gracious Jehovah, please hear my prayer.

3. O how I long to do what is right!

Help me, O Lord, to walk in the light.

Give me the strength all burdens to bear.

(CHORUS)

Gracious Jehovah, please hear my prayer.

(See also Ex. 22:27; Ps. 106:4; Jas. 5:11.)

CHAPTER 25

The Tender Compassion of Our God 1, 2. (a) How does a mother naturally respond to the crying of her baby? (b) What feeling is even stronger than a

mothers compassion?

IN THE middle of the night, a baby cries. Immediately, the mother wakes up. She does not

sleep as soundly as she used tonot since her baby was born. She has learned to

distinguish her infants different types of crying. Hence, she can often tell whether her

newborn needs to be fed, cuddled, or otherwise tended to. But regardless of the reason for

the babys crying, the mother responds. Her heart cannot let her ignore the needs of her

child.

2 The compassion that a mother feels for the child of her womb is among the most tender

feelings known to humans. There is, however, a feeling that is infinitely strongerthe tender

compassion of our God, Jehovah. A consideration of this endearing quality can help us draw

closer to Jehovah. Let us, then, discuss what compassion is and how our God manifests it.

What Is Compassion?

3. What is the meaning of the Hebrew verb rendered show mercy or have pity?

3 In the Bible, there is a close relationship between compassion and mercy. A number of

Hebrew and Greek words convey the sense of tender compassion. Consider, for example,

the Hebrew verb racham, which is often rendered show mercy or have pity. One

reference work explains that the verb racham expresses a deep and tender feeling of

compassion, such as is aroused by the sight of weakness or suffering in those that are dear

to us or need our help. This Hebrew term, which Jehovah applies to himself, is related to

the word for womb and can be described as motherly compassion.*Exodus

33:19; Jeremiah 33:26.

Can a woman forget . . . the son of her womb?

4, 5. How does the Bible use the feelings that a mother has for her baby to teach us about Jehovahs

compassion?

4 The Bible uses the feelings that a mother has for her baby to teach us about the meaning of

Jehovahs compassion. At Isaiah 49:15, we read: Can a woman forget her nursing child,

that she should not have compassion [racham] on the son of her womb? Yes, they may

forget, yet I will not forget you. (The Amplified Bible) That touching description underscores

the depth of Jehovahs compassion for his people. How so?

5 It is difficult to imagine that a mother would forget to nourish and care for her nursing child.

After all, an infant is helpless; night and day a baby needs its mothers attention and

affection. Sad to say, however, maternal neglect is not unheard of, especially in these

critical times characterized by a lack of natural affection. (2 Timothy 3:1, 3) Yet, Jehovah

declares, I will not forget you. The tender compassion that Jehovah has for his servants is

unfailing. It is immeasurably stronger than the most tender natural feeling that we can

imaginethe compassion that a mother normally feels for her infant child. Little wonder that

one commentator said of Isaiah 49:15: This is one of the strongest, if not the strongest

expression of Gods love in the Old Testament.

6. Many imperfect humans have viewed tender compassion in what way, but of what does Jehovah assure us?

6 Is tender compassion a sign of weakness? Many imperfect humans have held that view.

For instance, the Roman philosopher Seneca, who was a contemporary of Jesus and a

leading intellectual figure in Rome, taught that pity is a weakness of the mind. Seneca was

an advocate of Stoicism, a philosophy stressing calmness that is devoid of feeling. A wise

person may help those in distress, said Seneca, but he must not allow himself to feel pity, for

such a feeling would deprive him of serenity. That self-centered view of life allowed no room

for heartfelt compassion. But that is not at all what Jehovah is like! In his Word, Jehovah

assures us that he is very tender in affection and compassionate. (James 5:11, footnote)

As we will see, compassion is not a weakness but a strong, vital quality. Let us examine how

Jehovah, like a loving parent, manifests it.

When Jehovah Showed Compassion to a Nation

7, 8. In what way did the Israelites suffer in ancient Egypt, and how did Jehovah respond to their suffering?

7 The compassion of Jehovah is clearly seen in the way he dealt with the nation of Israel. By

the end of the 16th century B.C.E., millions of Israelites were enslaved in ancient Egypt,

where they were severely oppressed. The Egyptians kept making their life bitter with hard

slavery at clay mortar and bricks. (Exodus 1:11, 14) In their distress, the Israelites cried out

to Jehovah for help. How did the God of tender compassion respond?

8 Jehovahs heart was touched. He said: Unquestionably I have seen the affliction of my

people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their outcry as a result of those who drive them to

work; because I well know the pains they suffer. (Exodus 3:7) Jehovah could not see the

sufferings of his people or hear their outcries without feeling for them. As we saw in

Chapter 24 of this book, Jehovah is a God of empathy. And empathythe ability to identify

with the pain of othersis akin to compassion. But Jehovah did not just feel for his people;

he was moved to act in their behalf. Isaiah 63:9 says: In his love and in his compassion he

himself repurchased them. With a strong hand, Jehovah rescued the Israelites out of

Egypt. (Deuteronomy 4:34) Thereafter, he provided them with miraculous food and delivered

them into a fruitful land of their own.

Theocratic Ministry School

13 Now Davids son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar,+ and Davids son Amnon+ fell in love with her. 2 Amnon was so distressed that he became sick because of his

sister Tamar, for she was a virgin and it seemed impossible for Amnon to do anything to

her. 3 Now Amnon had a companion named Jehonadab,+ the son of Shimeah,+ Davids

brother; and Jehonadab was a very clever man. 4 So he said to him: Why are you, the

kings son, so depressed every morning? Why not tell me? Amnon replied to him: I am in

love with Tamar, the sister+ of my brother Absalom. 5 Jehonadab replied to him: Lie

down on your bed and pretend to be sick. When your father comes to see you, say to him,

Please, let my sister Tamar come and serve me some food. If she prepares the food given to

the sick* before my eyes, I will eat it from her hand.

6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick, and the king came in to see him. Then

Amnon said to the king: Please, let my sister Tamar come in and bake two heart-shaped

cakes before my eyes so that I may take food from her hand. 7 At that David sent a message

to Tamar at the house, saying: Please go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare

food* for him. 8 So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, where he was lying

down. She took the dough and kneaded it into cakes before his eyes and cooked the

cakes. 9 Then she took the pan and served him. But Amnon refused to eat and said: Have

everybody leave me! So everybody left him.

10 Amnon now said to Tamar: Bring the food* into the bedroom, so that I may eat it

from your hand. So Tamar took the heart-shaped cakes that she had made and brought

them to her brother Amnon in the bedroom. 11 When she brought them for him to eat, he

grabbed her and said: Come, lie down with me, my sister. 12 But she said to him: No, my

brother! Do not humiliate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel.+ Do not do this

disgraceful thing.+ 13 How could I live down my shame? And you will be regarded as one of

the disgraceful men in Israel. Now speak, please, to the king, for he will not withhold me

from you. 14 But he refused to listen to her, and he overpowered her and humiliated her by

raping her. 15 Then Amnon began hating her with a very intense hatred, so that his hatred

for her became greater than the love he had felt for her. Amnon said to her: Get up; go

away! 16 At this she said to him: No, my brother, for sending me away now is worse than

what you have done with me! But he refused to listen to her.

17 With that he called his young attendant and said: Get this person out of my presence,

please, and lock the door behind her. 18 (Now she was wearing a special* robe, for those

were the garments that the virgin daughters of the king wore.) So his attendant led her

outside, and he locked the door behind her.19 Then Tamar put ashes on her head,+ and she

ripped apart the fine robe she was wearing; and she kept her hands on her head and walked

off, crying out as she walked.

20 At this her brother Absalom+ asked her: Was it your brother Amnon who was with

you? And now keep silent, my sister. He is your brother.+ Do not let your heart dwell on this

matter. Then Tamar lived in isolation at the house of her brother Absalom. 21 When King

David heard about all these things, he became very angry.+ But he would not hurt the

feelings of Amnon his son, because he loved him, for he was his firstborn. 22 And Absalom

said nothing to Amnon, either bad or good; for Absalom hated+ Amnon because he had

humiliated his sister Tamar.+

23 After two full years, Absaloms sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor, near

Ephraim,+ and Absalom invited all the sons of the king.+ 24 So Absalom came in to the

king and said: Your servant is having his sheep sheared. Please let the king and his servants

go with me. 25 But the king said to Absalom: No, my son. If all of us go, we will be a

burden to you. Although he kept urging him, he did not consent to go, but he blessed

him. 26 Absalom then said: If not you, please let my brother Amnon go with us.+ The

king replied to him: Why should he go with you? 27 But Absalom urged him, so he sent

Amnon and all the kings sons with him.

28 Then Absalom ordered his attendants: Watch, and when Amnons heart is in a

cheerful mood from the wine, I will say to you, Strike down Amnon! You must then put him

to death. Do not be afraid. Is it not I who commands you? Be strong and courageous. 29 So

Absaloms attendants did to Amnon exactly as Absalom had ordered; then all the other

sons of the king got up, and each one mounted his mule and fled. 30 While they were on the

way, the report reached David: Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king, and not

one of them survived. 31 At this the king got up and ripped his clothes apart and lay on the

ground, and all his servants were standing by with their garments ripped apart.

32 However, Jehonadab+ the son of Shimeah,+ Davids brother, said: Do not let my

lord think that they have killed all the young sons of the king, for only Amnon has

died.+ This is by the order of Absalom, who decided to do this+from the day that Amnon

humiliated his sister+ Tamar.+ 33 Now do not let my lord the king pay attention to* the

report that says, All the kings sons have died; only Amnon has died.

34 Meanwhile, Absalom ran away.+ Later the watchman raised his eyes and saw that

there were many people coming from the road behind him next to the mountain. 35 At this

Jehonadab+ said to the king: Look! The kings sons have returned. It is just as your

servant said. 36 As he finished speaking, the kings sons came in, weeping loudly; also the

king and all his servants wept very bitterly. 37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai+ the

son of Ammihud the king of Geshur. David mourned his son for many days. 38 After

Absalom fled and went to Geshur,+ he stayed there for three years.

39 Finally King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had become reconciled to* the

death of Amnon.

14 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah+ learned that the kings heart longed for Absalom.+ 2 So Joab sent to Tekoa+ and summoned from there a clever woman and told

her: Act like you are in mourning, please, and put on garments of mourning, and do not rub

yourself with oil.+ Behave like a woman who has been mourning over someone dead for a

long time. 3 Then go in and speak to the king like this. With that Joab put the words in her

mouth.*

4 The Tekoite woman went in to the king and fell with her face to the ground and

prostrated herself and said: Help me, O king! 5 The king replied to her: What is the

matter? To this she said: Alas, I am a widow; my husband is dead.6 And I, your servant,

had two sons, and the two of them fought with each other in the field. There was no one to

separate them, and one struck the other down and killed him. 7 Now the whole family has

risen up against me, your servant, and they are saying, Hand over the one who struck his

brother, so that we may put him to death for the life* of his brother whom he killed,+ even if

it means wiping out the heir! They would extinguish the last glowing coal that I have

left*and leave to my husband neither a name nor a survivor* on the surface of the earth.

8 Then the king said to the woman: Go to your home, and I will issue an order regarding

you. 9 At this the Tekoite woman said to the king: O my lord the king, let the guilt be on

me and on my fathers house, while the king and his throne are innocent. 10 The king then

said: If anyone speaks further to you, bring him to me, and he will never trouble you

again. 11 But she said: Please, let the king remember Jehovah your God, so that the

avenger of blood+ does not bring ruin and annihilate my son. To this he said: As surely as

Jehovah is living,+ not one of your sons hairs will fall to the ground. 12 The woman now

said: Let your servant, please, speak a word to my lord the king. So he said: Speak!

13 The woman said: Why, then, have you thought to do something like this against the

people of God?+ When the king speaks this way, he makes himself guilty, for the king does

not bring back his own banished son.+ 14 We will surely die and be like waters that are

poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. But God would not take away a

life,* and he considers reasons why the banished one should not always be banished from

him. 15 I have come in to say this to my lord the king because the people made me afraid. So

your servant said, Let me speak, please, to the king. Perhaps the king will act on the request

of his slave. 16 The king may listen and rescue his slave from the hand of the man seeking to

annihilate me and my only son from the inheritance God gave us.+17 Then your servant

said, May the word of my lord the king please give me relief, for my lord the king is just like

an angel of the true God in distinguishing what is good from what is bad. May Jehovah your

God be with you.

18 The king now answered the woman: Please do not hide from me anything I ask you.

The woman replied: Let my lord the king speak, please. 19 The king then asked: Did Joab

put you up to all of this?+ The woman answered: As surely as you are* living, O my lord the

king, it is just as* my lord the king says, for it was your servant Joab who instructed me and

put all these words in the mouth of your servant. 20 Your servant Joab has done this to

change the appearance of things, but my lord has wisdom like that of the angel of the true

God and knows all that is happening in the land.

21 The king then said to Joab: All right, I will do this thing.+ Go and bring back the

young man Absalom.+ 22 At this Joab fell with his face to the ground and prostrated

himself and praised the king. Joab said: Today your servant knows that I have found favor

in your eyes, O my lord the king, because the king has acted on the request of his

servant. 23 Then Joab got up and went to Geshur+ and brought Absalom to

Jerusalem. 24 However, the king said: Let him return to his own house, but he may not see

my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and he did not see the face of the king.

25 Now in all Israel, no man was as highly praised for his handsome appearance as

Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, there was no flaw in

him. 26 When he shaved his headhe had to shave it at the end of every year because it was

so heavy for himthe hair of his head weighed 200 shekels* by the royal stone

weight.* 27 To Absalom were born three sons+ and one daughter, whose name was Tamar.

She was a very beautiful woman.

28 And Absalom continued living in Jerusalem for two full years, but he did not see the

face of the king.+ 29 So Absalom summoned Joab in order to send him to the king, but

Joab would not come to him. Then he sent for him again, a second time, and he still refused

to come. 30 Finally he said to his servants: Joabs plot of land is next to mine, and he has

some barley there. Go and set it on fire. So the servants of Absalom set the plot of land on

fire. 31 At this Joab got up and came to Absaloms house and said to him: Why did your

servants set my plot of land on fire? 32 Absalom replied to Joab: Look! I sent this

message to you, Come and let me send you to the king to ask: Why have I come from

Geshur?+ It would have been better for me to stay there. Now let me see the face of the king,

and if there is guilt in me, then he should put me to death.

33 So Joab went in to the king and told him. Then he called Absalom, who came in to

the king and prostrated himself before him, falling with his face to the ground before the

king. Then the king kissed Absalom.+

15 After all these things, Absalom acquired for himself a chariot and horses and 50 men to run before him.+ 2 Absalom would rise up early and stand at the side of the road to the

city gate.+ Whenever any man had a legal case that was to come to the king for

judgment,+ Absalom would call him and say: From what city are you? and he would say:

Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.3 Absalom would say to him: See, your

claims are right and proper, but there is no one from the king to hear your case. 4 Absalom

would say: If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then every man who has a legal case

or judgment could come to me, and I would see that he receives justice.

5 And when a man came near to bow down to him, Absalom would extend his hand and

grab hold of him and kiss him.+ 6 Absalom would do this to all the Israelites who would

come in to the king for judgment; so Absalom kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel.+

7 At the end of four years,* Absalom said to the king: Let me go, please, to Hebron+ to

pay my vow that I made to Jehovah. 8 For your servant made this solemn vow+ when I was

dwelling in Geshur+ in Syria: If Jehovah will bring me back to Jerusalem, I will make an

offering to* Jehovah. 9 So the king said to him: Go in peace. With that he rose up and

went to Hebron.

10 Absalom now sent spies through all the tribes of Israel, saying: As soon as you hear

the sound of the horn, announce, Absalom has become king in Hebron!+ 11 Now 200

men from Jerusalem had gone there with Absalom; they were invited and went

unsuspectingly, unaware of what was happening.12 Further, when he offered the sacrifices,

Absalom sent for Ahithophel+ the Gilonite, Davids adviser,*+ from his city Giloh.+ The

conspiracy kept gaining momentum, and the people who supported Absalom were growing

in number.+

13 In time an informer came to David, saying: The heart of the men of Israel has turned

to Absalom. 14 At once David said to all his servants with him in Jerusalem: Get up, and

let us run away,+ for none of us will escape from Absalom! Hurry, for fear he may quickly

overtake us and bring disaster on us and strike the city with the sword!+ 15 The kings

servants replied to the king: Whatever my lord the king decides, your servants are ready to

do.+ 16 So the king went out with all his household following him, but the king left ten

concubines+ to take care of the house.* 17 And the king continued on his way out with all

the people following, and they stopped at Beth-merhak.

18 All his servants leaving with him* and all the Cherethites, the Pelethites,+ and the

Gittites,+ 600 men who had followed him from Gath,+ werepassing by as the king reviewed

them.* 19 Then the king said to Ittai+ the Gittite: Why should you also go with us? Go back

and dwell with the new king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your

place. 20 Yesterday you came, so today should I make you wander with us, to go when I must

go and where I must go? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may Jehovah show

you loyal love and faithfulness!+ 21 But Ittai answered the king: As surely as Jehovah is

living and as surely as my lord the king is living, wherever my lord the king may be, whether

for death or for life, there your servant will be!+ 22 At that David said to Ittai:+ Go and

cross over. So Ittai the Gittite crossed over, together with all his men and children.

23 Everyone in the land was weeping loudly while all these people crossed over, and the

king was standing by the Kidron Valley;+ all the people were crossing over to the road

leading to the wilderness. 24 Zadok+ was also there and with him were all the

Levites+ carrying the ark+ of the covenant of the true God;+ and they set the Ark of the true

God down; and Abiathar+ went up, while all the people completed crossing over from the

city. 25 But the king said to Zadok: Take the Ark of the true God back to the city.+ If I find

favor in the eyes of Jehovah, he will also bring me back and let me see it and its dwelling

place.+26 But if he should say, I have found no pleasure in you, then let him do to me

whatever seems good in his eyes. 27 The king said to Zadok the priest: Are you not a

seer?+ Return to the city in peace, and take the two sons of you men with you, Ahimaaz

your own son and Jonathan+ the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will linger by the fords of the

wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.+ 29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the

Ark of the true God back to Jerusalem, and they remained there.

30 As David was going up the Mount* of Olives,+ he was weeping as he went up; his head

was covered, and he was walking barefoot. All the people with him also covered their heads

and were weeping as they went up. 31 David was then told: Ahithophel is among those

conspiring+ with Absalom.+ At this David said: Turn, please, the advice* of Ahithophel

into foolishness,+ O Jehovah!+

32 When David came to the summit where people used to bow down to God, Hushai+ the

Archite+ was there to meet him, with his robe ripped apart and dirt on his

head. 33 However, David said to him: If you go across with me, you will be a load on

me. 34 But if you return to the city and you say to Absalom, I am your servant, O King. I

was the servant of your father in the past, but now I am your servant,+ you can then

frustrate the advice of Ahithophel for me.+ 35 Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests

there with you? You must tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests everything that you hear

from the house of the king.+36 Look! There with them are their two sons, Ahimaaz+ the

son of Zadok and Jonathan+ the son of Abiathar, and through them send to me

everything that you hear. 37 So Hushai, Davids friend,*+ went into the city as Absalom

was entering into Jerusalem.

QUESTION 13

What does the Bible say about work? Have you seen a man skillful at his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand

before common men.

Proverbs 22:29

Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his

hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need.

Ephesians 4:28

Everyone should eat and drink and find enjoyment for all his hard work. It is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

Bezalel

1. Chief artisan and builder of the tabernacle, the son of Uri the son of Hur of the tribe of

Judah. (Ex 31:1, 2; 1Ch 2:20) Jehovah himself appointed Bezalel and promised to fill him

with the spirit of God in wisdom and in understanding and in knowledge and in every kind of

craftsmanship, for designing devices, for working in gold and silver and copper, and in

working of stones to set them and in working of wood to make products of every kind. (Ex

31:3-5; 35:30-33) These costly materials that Bezalel worked with were supplied by the

generous contributions of the willing-hearted people, and they proved more than

enough.Ex 35:4-9, 20-29; 36:3-7.

Bezalel had as his chief assistant Oholiab (Ex 31:6), and there were many wise-hearted

ones who worked along with them, yet the responsibility of directing the complicated work

remained on Bezalel. (Ex 35:10-19, 25, 26, 34; 36:1, 2) This is evident by the interchange of

the pronouns he, referring to Bezalel, and they, referring to his assistants. (Ex 36-39) The

great diversity of Bezalels skills and the fact that he was filled with the spirit of God (Ex

35:31) enabled him to oversee making the tent cloths and their embroidery, gold and copper

hooks, the outer coverings of skins, wooden panel frames overlaid with gold, the interior

screen (Ex 36), the overlaid ark of the covenant and its cherubs, the table and its utensils,

the golden lampstand and incense altar, the prescribed anointing oil and incense (Ex 37),

the altar of burnt offering, the copper basin and stand, the courtyard (Ex 38), the ephod and

its breastpiece set with precious stones, and the priestly robes (Ex 39). When Solomon

came to the throne 475 years later, the tabernacle tent, the ark of the covenant, and the

copper altar were still in use.2Ch 1:1-6.

Service Meeting

Song 121

Encourage One Another (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

1. As we encourage one another

To serve Jehovah faithfully,

We find the bonds of love are strengthened;

Fine works bring peace and unity.

The love we find among Gods people

Gives each the courage to endure.

Our congregation is a refuge,

A place where we can feel secure.

2. A word when spoken at the right time

Is, oh, how comforting to hear!

We hear these words of consolation

From friends so faithful and so dear.

How good it is to work together

With those whose hopes and goals we share!

We seek to strengthen one another

And help each one his burden bear.

3. As we with eyes of faith are seeing

The nearness of Jehovahs day,

We need our gathering together

To keep us walking in the way.

United with Jehovahs people,

We hope to serve eternally.

So we encourage one another

To hold to our integrity.

(See also Luke 22:32; Acts 14:21, 22; Gal. 6:2; 1 Thess. 5:14.)

10 min: Interview a Field Service Group Overseer. What does caring for your assignment

involve? How do you endeavor to shepherd those in your group and help them in the

ministry? Why is it important for publishers to inform you if their address or contact

information changes? Why may the elders arrange for field service groups to meet

separately for service rather than to combine at one location?

Help the Blind Learn About Jehovah 1. How did Jesus demonstrate compassion for the blind?

1 Jesus death was just days away. As he was departing the city of Jericho, two blind beggars

cried out: Lord, have mercy on us! Although the trials that awaited Jesus weighed heavily

on his mind, Jesus stopped, called the men to him, and healed them. (Matt. 20:29-34) How

can we imitate Jesus compassion for the blind?

2. How may we be able to give a witness to a blind person we meet in public?

2 Be Helpful: If you encounter a blind person, perhaps in public, introduce yourself and offer

to provide assistance. Since such ones are often taken advantage of, the person may be

suspicious at first. However, your genuine friendliness and sincere interest may put him at

ease. Keep in mind, too, that there are different degrees of blindness, and this may

determine how much help needs to be rendered. After you have rendered assistance,

perhaps you can mention that you are involved in a Bible education work. Offer to read him a

scripture, such as Psalm 146:8 or Isaiah 35:5, 6. If he is able to read Braille, ask if he would

like to have a Braille publication that will help him learn more about the Bible. You could also

help him obtain audio files from jw.org. If his computer has a screen reader program that

audibly reads text from the screen, he may even appreciate the printed articles on jw.org

along with the publications that can be downloaded in RTF (Rich Text Format).See the

box When Helping a Blind Person . . .

3. How can we search out the blind in our territory?

3 Search Out the Blind: We seldom meet blind people in the house-to-house ministry

because many of them do not feel comfortable talking to strangers who come to their door.

Therefore, it takes real effort to search out such ones in order to give them a witness.

(Matt. 10:11) Do you have a workmate or a schoolmate who is blind? Take the initiative to

speak to him. If your territory has a school for the blind, offer some of our Braille publications

for the school library. Do you know someone who has a blind family member? Does your

territory have organizations that provide helpful services for the blind or have assisted living

facilities with blind occupants? Explain to the family member, the receptionist, or the director

that Jehovahs Witnesses are very interested in helping the blind, and offer to bring Braille

literature or audio recordings. Show him the Bibles promise that God will soon eradicate

blindness permanently. You may also wish to show the video from jw.org entitled Without It,

I Would Feel Lost, which relates the experience of a blind man who has benefited from

having the Bible in Braille. By explaining the purpose of your visit, this may open up the way

for you to make contact with blind individuals.

4. What lessons does Janets experience teach?

4 A blind sister named Janet visited a facility that has residents who are blind. She started a

conversation with a young woman. Janet told her, Jesus healed blind people to show what

he will do for all who are blind. They considered Revelation 21:3, 4 together, and Janet

explained how this promise would be accomplished by Gods Kingdom. The woman got

quiet and then said: Ive never heard this from a blind persons point of view. Most people

who can see believe that people are blind because of something they or their ancestors did.

Janet e-mailed the woman a link to the Bible Teach book, and now they are studying the

Bible together twice a week.

5. Although we cannot heal the blind as Jesus could, our demonstrating interest in the blind will bring what

blessings?

5 Of course, we cannot heal people of their blindness as Jesus did, but we can help all those

whose minds have been blinded by the god of this system of things, including the physically

blind, to understand the truth of Gods Word. (2 Cor. 4:4) Jesus healed the two men near

Jericho because he was moved with pity for them. (Matt. 20:34) If we demonstrate similar

interest in the blind, we can enjoy the privilege of helping some to learn about Jehovah, the

one who will end blindness forever.

When Helping a Blind Person . . .

Speak directly to him, but do not raise your voice. The blind cannot see, but they can

usually hear quite well.

Bend your arm, and allow him to take your arm just above the elbow if you are guiding

him. He will be able to follow as you walk a half step in front of him. When you see a curb,

a pole, a step, or another obstacle, it is important that you alert him.

Feel free to use words that refer to vision, such as see and look. The blind also use

them. They see with their other senses, even creating mental images of what is being

described.

Have your discussions in a quiet place. The blind often do not feel comfortable in places

with loud background noise, as it is difficult for them to know what is happening around

them.

Tell him when you leave his presence. This will save him the embarrassment of speaking

to someone who is no longer there.

Fill out a Please Follow Up (S-43) form, and give it to the secretary if the blind person

shows interest but does not live in your territory.

Song 96

Seek Out Deserving Ones (Matthew 10:11-15)

1. In preaching the Kingdom, our Lord showed the way,

Instructing us how to proceed:

Wherever you go, seek in earnest to find

Those aware of their spiritual need.

By greeting the household and wishing it peace,

To deserving ones peace youll impart.

If others should spurn you or turn you away,

Shake the dust from your feet and depart.

2. All those who receive you receive him as well.

Their heart God will open up wide.

Their right disposition for unending life

Will impel them to serve at your side.

And never be anxious about what to say,

For Jehovah will help you to speak.

Your answer when gracious and seasoned with salt

Will appeal to the humble and meek.

(See also Acts 13:48; 16:14; Col. 4:6.)

Watchtower Study

Song 107

Come to Jehovahs Mountain (Isaiah 2:2-4)

1. Raise your eyes and behold,

Far above the highest hill.

There stands Jehovahs mountain

Lifted up in this day.

People come from afar,

Evrywhere from sea to sea,

Calling to one another,

Come serve God and obey.

Now the time has arrived

For the small, a great nation to be.

As we grow and we thrive,

Gods direction and blessing we see.

Millions now come to God

And accept his sovreignty.

Loyal they vow to be

And from his side never stray.

2. Jesus gave the command

To go forth and preach the word.

Good news about the Kingdom

Reaches all men today.

Christ now rules from on high,

Urging all to take his side.

Meek ones who hear his voice

Let Gods Word show them the way.

What a joy to behold

How a great crowd continues to grow!

Yes, we all have a share,

Helping others Jehovah to know.

Let us lift up the voice,

Calling out for all to hear,

Come to Jehovahs mountain,

Here forever to stay.

(See also Ps. 43:3; 99:9; Isa. 60:22; Acts 16:5.)

Loyally Supporting Christs Brothers To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it

to me.MATT. 25:40.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How has Jehovah clarified our understanding of the illustration of the sheep and the goats?

Who receive the commission to preach?

Why is now the time to support Christs brothers?

1, 2. (a) What illustrations has Jesus discussed with his close companions? (See opening image.) (b) What do

we need to know about the illustration of the sheep and the goats?

JESUS has been speaking to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, his close companions. They

have just heard him relate illustrations about the faithful and discreet slave, the ten virgins,

and the talents. Jesus concludes his discussion with one more parable. He describes a time

when the Son of man will judge all the nations. How this illustration must have fascinated

his disciples! In it, Jesus focuses on two groups, one classed as sheep and the other as

goats. And he highlights an important third group that he identifies as brothers of the

King.Read Matthew 25:31-46.

2 Jehovahs people have long been intrigued by this illustration and rightly so, for in it Jesus

speaks about the fate of people. He reveals why some will receive everlasting life while

others will be cut off in death forever. Our lives depend on our understanding the truths

Jesus conveyed and acting on them. With so much at stake, we should ask: How has

Jehovah progressively clarified our understanding of this illustration? Why can we say that

the illustration emphasizes the importance of the preaching work? Who is it that receives the

commission to preach? And why is now the time to be loyal to the King and to those he

calls my brothers?

HOW HAS OUR UNDERSTANDING BEEN CLARIFIED?

3, 4. (a) What key elements must we know to understand the illustration of the sheep and the goats? (b) In 1881,

how did Zions Watch Tower explain this illustration?

3 To understand the illustration of the sheep and the goats correctly, we need to grasp three

key elements of the account: the identity of those mentioned, the timing of the judgment, and

the reason for being classified as either a sheep or a goat.

4 In 1881, Zions Watch Tower identified the Son of man, also called the King, as Jesus.

The early Bible Students understood the expression rendered in the King James

Version my brethren to refer to those who would rule with Christ as well as to all of

mankind after they are restored to earthly perfection. They felt that the separating of the

sheep from the goats would take place during the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. And they

believed that people would be classed as sheep because they lived by Gods law of love.

5. In the 1920s, how was our understanding refined?

5 In the early 1920s, Jehovah helped his people refine their understanding of this

illustration. The Watch Tower of October 15, 1923, affirmed that the Son of man is Jesus.

However, it presented sound Scriptural arguments that limited the identity of Christs

brothers to those who would rule with him in heaven, and it described the sheep as those

who hope to live on earth under the rule of Christs Kingdom. What of the timingof the

separating of the sheep from the goats? The article stated that Christs brothers would be

ruling with him from heaven during the Millennial Reign, so they could not be helped or

neglected by an earthly class. Therefore, the separating of the sheep from the goats would

have to take place before the Millennial Rule begins. As for the reason why a person is

identified as a sheep, the article concluded that people would be judged as such because

they acknowledged Jesus as their Lord and looked to the Kingdom to bring better conditions.

6. In the 1990s, how was our viewpoint further clarified?

6 As a result of that adjusted understanding, Jehovahs people felt that individuals were being

judged as sheep or goats throughout the conclusion of the system of things, depending on

how they responded to the Kingdom message. However, in the mid-1990s, our viewpoint

was clarified. Two articles in the October 15, 1995, issue of The Watchtower noted the

similarities between Jesus words as recorded at Matthew 24:29-31 (read) and those

at Matthew 25:31, 32. (Read.)* The conclusion? The lead article stated: The rendering of

judgment on the sheep and the goats is future. When, exactly? It will take place after the

tribulation mentioned at Matthew 24:29, 30 breaks out and the Son of man arrives in his

glory. . . . Then, with the entire wicked system at its end, Jesus will hold court and render

and execute judgment.

7. What clear understanding do we now have?

7 Today, we have a clear understanding of the illustration of the sheep and the goats.

Regarding the identity of those mentioned, Jesus is the Son of man, the King. Those

referred to as my brothers are spirit-anointed men and women, who will rule with Christ

from heaven. (Rom. 8:16, 17) The sheep and the goats represent individuals from all

nations. These ones are not anointed by holy spirit. What about the timing of the judgment?

This judgment will occur toward the end of the great tribulation just ahead. And what of

the reason why people will be judged as either sheep or goats? The outcome hinges on how

they have treated the remaining ones of Christs spirit-anointed brothers on earth. With the

end of this system so close at hand, how grateful we are that Jehovah has progressively

shed light on this illustration and on the related illustrations recorded in Matthew chapters 24

and 25!

HOW DOES THE ILLUSTRATION EMPHASIZE THE PREACHING WORK?

8, 9. Why are the sheep described as righteous?

8 In the illustration of the sheep and the goats, Jesus does not directly mention the preaching

work. Why, then, can it be said that it emphasizes the importance of preaching?

9 First, note that Jesus is teaching by means of an illustration. Obviously, he is not talking

about separating literal sheep from literal goats. Likewise, he is not saying that each

individual judged to be a sheep must literally feed, clothe, nurse, or visit one of his brothers

in prison. Rather, he is illustrating the attitude that the figurative sheep display toward his

brothers. He describes the sheep as righteous because they recognize that Christ has a

group of anointed brothers still on earth, and the sheep loyally support the anointed during

these critical last days.Matt. 10:40-42; 25:40, 46; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

10. How can the sheep show kindness to Christs brothers?

10 Second, consider the context of Jesus words. He is discussing the sign of his presence

and the conclusion of the system of things. (Matt. 24:3) Early in his discourse, Jesus

indicated that the sign would include a remarkable featurethe good news of the Kingdom

would be preached in all the inhabited earth. (Matt. 24:14) And just prior to talking about

the sheep and the goats, he related the illustration of the talents. As discussed in the

preceding article, Jesus gave that illustration to stress to his spirit-anointed disciples, his

brothers, that they must zealously engage in the preaching work. However, the small

number of anointed ones left on earth during Jesus presence face an enormous challenge

that of preaching to all the nations before the end comes. The illustration of the sheep and

the goats shows that the anointed would have help. Therefore, one of the primary ways that

those judged to be sheep show kindness to Christs brothers is by supporting them in the

preaching work. What, though, is involved in providing that support? Does it consist only of

material backing and emotional comfort, or is more required?

WHO ARE TO PREACH?

11. What question could arise, and why?

11 Today, the vast majority of the eight million disciples of Jesus are not spirit-anointed. They

have not received the talents that Jesus gave to his anointed slaves. (Matt. 25:14-18) So the

question could arise, Does the commission to preach really apply to those who are not

anointed with holy spirit? Consider just some of the reasons why the answer is yes.

12. What do we learn from Jesus words recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20?

12 Jesus instructed all his disciples to preach. After he was resurrected, Jesus told his

followers to make disciples, teaching them to observe all the things he had commanded.

Included among those commands was the commission to preach. (ReadMatthew

28:19, 20.) Therefore, all disciples of Christ are to preach, whether their hope is to rule in

heaven or to live on earth.Acts 10:42.

13. What does the vision seen by John indicate, and why?

13 The book of Revelation indicates that the preaching work would be done both by the

anointed and by others. Jesus gave the apostle John a vision of the bride, the 144,000

anointed humans who will rule with Christ in heaven, inviting people to take lifes water

free. (Rev. 14:1, 3; 22:17) That symbolic water represents Jehovahs provisions for

recovering mankind from sin and death on the basis of Christs ransom sacrifice. (Matt.

20:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10) The ransom is central to the message we preach, and the

anointed are taking the lead in helping people learn about and benefit from it. (1 Cor. 1:23)

But in the vision, John sees others, who are not of the bride class. They too are told to say,

Come! They obey and invite still others to take lifes water. This second group are those

who have the hope of living on earth. Therefore, this vision clearly indicates that all who

accept the invitation to come have the responsibility to preach to others.

14. What is involved in obeying the law of the Christ?

14 All those bound by the law of the Christ must preach. (Gal. 6:2) Jehovah does not

have double standards. For example, he told the Israelites: One law will apply for the native

and for the foreigner who is residing among you. (Ex. 12:49; Lev. 24:22) Christians are not

bound by the Mosaic Law. But all of us, whether anointed or not, are subject to the law of

the Christ. That law includes all that Jesus taught. Foremost among Jesus teachings is that

his followers should display love. (John 13:35; Jas. 2:8) And one of the primary ways we

show love for God, for Christ, and for our neighbor is by preaching the good news of the

Kingdom.John 15:10; Acts 1:8.

15. Why can it be said that Jesus command applies to all his followers?

15 Jesus words to a small group can apply to a larger group. For example, Jesus made a

covenant for a Kingdom with just 11 disciples, but that covenant really applies to all of the

144,000. (Luke 22:29, 30; Rev. 5:10; 7:4-8) Similarly, Jesus commanded only a relatively

small number of his followersthose to whom he appeared after his resurrectionto

preach. (Acts 10:40-42; 1 Cor. 15:6) But all his faithful first-century disciples recognized that

the command applied to them, even if they had not personally heard Jesus speak. (Acts

8:4; 1 Pet. 1:8) Likewise today, Jesus has not personally spoken to any of the eight million

active Kingdom preachers. But all recognize their obligation to exercise faith in Christ and to

express that faith by means of the witnessing work.Jas. 2:18.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BE LOYAL

16-18. How can prospective sheep support Christs brothers, and why should they do so now?

16 Satan is waging war with the remaining ones of Christs spirit-anointed brothers on earth,

and he will intensify his attacks as the short period of time he has left runs out. (Rev.

12:9, 12, 17) Despite having to endure intense testing, the anointed are spearheading the

greatest preaching campaign in history. Without a doubt, Jesus is with them, guiding their

efforts.Matt. 28:20.

17 The growing number of prospective sheep count it a privilege to support Christs brothers

not only in the preaching work but also in other practical ways. For example, they give

financial contributions and help to build Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities,

and they loyally obey those appointed by the faithful and discreet slave to take the lead.

Matt. 24:45-47; Heb. 13:17.

Sheeplike individuals support Christs brothers in a variety of ways (See paragraph 17)

18 Soon the angels will unleash the destructive winds of the great tribulation. This will occur

after all the remaining ones of Christs brothers left on earth have received their final sealing.

(Rev. 7:1-3) Before Armageddon breaks out, anointed ones will be taken to heaven. (Matt.

13:41-43) Therefore, now is the time for those who hope to be judged as sheep to support

Christs brothers loyally.

For a detailed discussion of this illustration, see the articles How Will You Stand Before the

Judgment Seat? and What Future for the Sheep and the Goats? in the October 15, 1995,

issue of The Watchtower.

Song 63

Ever Loyal (Psalm 18:25)

1. Ever loyal to Jehovah,

Loyal love we wish to show.

As a people, dedicated,

His commands we want to know.

His advice will never fail us,

And his counsel we obey.

He is loyal; we can trust him.

From his side well never stray.

2. Ever loyal to our brothers,

Sticking close in times of need.

Ever caring, always trusting,

Ever kind in word and deed.

We show honor to our brothers

And respect them from the heart.

Let the Bible draw us closer;

From their side well never part.

3. Ever loyal to their guidance

When our brothers take the lead.

When they give us clear direction,

May our mind and heart give heed.

Then the blessing from Jehovah

Will be ours to make us strong.

When were loyal, ever faithful,

To Jehovah well belong.

(See also Ps. 149:1; 1 Tim. 2:8; Heb. 13:17.)

Simplified Edition

Learn From the Illustration of the Talents He gave five talents to one, two to another, and one to still another.

MATTHEW 25:15.

HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?

Why did Jesus tell the parable of the talents?

When will the Master come to settle accounts?

What lessons do we learn from this parable?

1, 2. Why did Jesus tell the parable of the talents?

JESUS told the parable of the talents to make clear to his anointed followers what their

responsibility is. But that parable affects all of Jesus disciples. So whether we have the hope

of living in heaven or on earth, we need to understand the meaning of this parable.

2 When did Jesus tell the parable? It was while he was giving his disciples a sign that would

show that he had become King and that the time of the end had begun. (Matthew 24:3) So

the parable of the talents is part of that sign and is being fulfilled in our time.

3. What do we learn from the parables in Matthew chapters 24 and 25?

3 When Jesus told the parable of the talents, he told three other parables that were also part

of the sign of the time of the end. All these parables describe specific qualities that his

followers must have. We can read these parables at Matthew 24:45 to 25:46. The first

parable is about the faithful slave, the small group of anointed ones who have the

responsibility to teach Jehovahs people. They need to be faithful and discreet.* (See

footnote.) The following parable is about the ten virgins. In it, Jesus warned all the anointed

ones that they would need to be prepared and watchful because they would not know the

day or the hour when he would come.* (See footnote.) Next, Jesus told the parable of the

talents to teach all the anointed ones that they would need to work hard in caring for their

Christian responsibilities. Then, Jesus told the parable of the sheep and the goats, which

focuses on those who would have the hope of living on earth. He emphasized that they must

be loyal and do all they can to help his anointed brothers.*(See footnote.) This article will

explain the meaning of the parable of the talents.

A MAN GIVES HIS SLAVES A LOT OF MONEY

4, 5. Whom does the man in the parable refer to, and what is a talent?

4 Read Matthew 25:14-30. In the parable of the talents, Jesus talked about a man who went

on a journey. In a similar parable, Jesus spoke about a man who went on a journey to

become a king.* (See footnote.) (Luke 19:12) Our publications have said for many years that

in both parables this man refers to Jesus, who went to heaven in the year 33. But Jesus did

not immediately become King when he went to heaven. He waited until 1914, when his

enemies were placed as a stool for his feet.Hebrews 10:12, 13.

5 Jesus said that the man in the parable had eight talents. That was a lot of money.* (See

footnote.) Before the man went away, he gave this money to his slaves. He told them to use

it to make more money for him. Just as the money was very valuable to that man, there was

something that was very valuable to Jesus. What was that? It was the work he did while he

was on earth.

Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting

6, 7. What do the talents refer to?

6 The preaching work was very important to Jesus. As a result of his preaching, many

became his disciples. (Read Luke 4:43.) But he knew that there was more work to do

and that more people would accept the good news. In fact, he told his disciples: Lift up your

eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting. (John 4:35-38) A good farmer

would not abandon a field that was ready to be harvested. Jesus had the same attitude. So

just before he returned to heaven, Jesus commanded his followers: Go, therefore, and

make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20) In this way, Jesus gave them a precious treasure, the

important responsibility to preach.2 Corinthians 4:7.

7 Like the man who gave his money to his slaves, Jesus gave his anointed followers the work

of making disciples. (Matthew 25:14) So the talents refer to the responsibility to preach and

make disciples.

8. Even though each slave received a different amount of money, what did the master expect?

8 Jesus said that the master gave five talents to the first slave, two talents to the second

slave, and one talent to the third slave. (Matthew 25:15) The master gave each slave a

different amount of money, but he expected all of them to do their best to make more money

for him. In the same way, Jesus expected his anointed followers to do their best in the

preaching work. (Matthew 22:37; Colossians 3:23) At Pentecost in the year 33, Jesus

followers began making disciples of people of all nations. And when we read the Bible book

of Acts, we see clearly how hard they worked.* (See footnote.)Acts 6:7; 12:24;19:20.

THE SLAVES USE THE TALENTS IN THE TIME OF THE END

9. (a) What did the two faithful slaves do with the money, and what do we learn from that? (b) What must those

who hope to live on earth do?

9 The first two slaves, who used their masters money well, refer to the faithful anointed

brothers and sisters during the time of the end. Especially since 1919, they have been doing

their best in the preaching work. In the parable, each of the two slaves received a different

amount of money, but this does not mean that there are two different groups of faithful

anointed ones. Both slaves worked hard and doubled the money. But are the anointed the

only ones who must work hard in the preaching and teaching work? No. Jesus parable of

the sheep and the goats teaches us that those who hope to live forever on earth must help

his anointed brothers with the preaching work and be loyal to them. They feel that it is an

honor to help them. Yes, Jehovahs people are one flock, and they all work hard to preach

and make disciples.John 10:16.

10. What is one part of the sign that proves we are living in the time of the end?

10 Jesus expects all his followers to work hard to make more disciples. That is what his

disciples did in the first century. In this time of the end, when Jesus parable about the

talents is being fulfilled, are his followers doing this work? Yes, never before have so many

people heard the good news and become disciples! Because of the hard work that is being

done by all of Jesus followers, hundreds of thousands of people are getting baptized each

year. And they too join in the preaching work. All this activity and the good results clearly

show that the preaching work is an important part of the sign Jesus gave about the time of

the end. No doubt, Jesus is pleased with his workers!

Jesus has given his servants a precious treasure, the important responsibility to preach (See

paragraph 10)

WHEN WILL THE MASTER COME?

11. How do we know that Jesus will come during the great tribulation?

11 Jesus said: After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with

them. (Matthew 25:19) The Master, Jesus, will do this toward the end of the great

tribulation. How do we know that? In his prophecy found in Matthew chapters 24 and 25,

Jesus said many times that he is coming. For example, he said that people will see the Son

of man coming on the clouds of heaven. This refers to the time during the great tribulation

when Jesus will judge people. He also warned his followers living in the time of the end to be

watchful. He said: You do not know on what day your Lord is coming and, The Son of man

is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it. (Matthew 24:30,42, 44) So in the parable

of the talents, Jesus was also referring to the time when he will come to judge people and

destroy Satans world.*See footnote.

12, 13. (a) What does the master say to the two slaves, and why? (b) When do anointed ones receive their final

sealing? (See also the box Judged As Worthy When They Die.) (c) What reward will those who supported the

anointed receive?

12 When the master came back from his journey, he saw that the slave with five talents had

earned five more and the slave with two talents had earned two more. The master told each

of them: Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will

appoint you over many things. (Matthew 25:21, 23) What will the Master, Jesus, do when he

comes in the future?

13 Just before the great tribulation, God will give his final approval to the hardworking

anointed ones who are still on earth at that time. This is their final sealing. (Revelation 7:1-3)

Then, before Armageddon, Jesus will reward them by raising them to heaven. But what

about those with the hope of living on earth who supported the anointed in the preaching

work? They will have been judged as sheep. And they will be rewarded with life on earth

under the rule of Gods Kingdom.Matthew 25:34.

A WICKED AND LAZY SLAVE

14, 15. Was Jesus saying that many anointed ones would become wicked and lazy? Explain.

14 The parable also mentions the slave who had one talent. He did not use it to make more

money for his master or put it in the bank to earn interest. Instead, he buried the money. The

master said that the slave was wicked and lazy. He took the talent away from the wicked

slave and gave it to the first slave. Then he threw the wicked slave out into the darkness,

and there the slave cried in despair.Matthew 25:24-30; Luke 19:22, 23.

15 When Jesus said that one of the three slaves was wicked and lazy, he did not mean that

one third of the anointed ones would be like that slave. We know this by comparing this

parable with two others. In the parable of the faithful and discreet slave, Jesus mentioned an

evil slave who persecuted the other slaves. Jesus did not mean that those who are part of

the faithful and discreet slave would become evil. Instead, he was warning those anointed

ones that they should not become like the evil slave. Then, in the parable of the ten virgins,

Jesus mentioned five foolish virgins. He was not saying that half of those who are anointed

would be foolish. Instead, Jesus was warning about what would happen if they were not

prepared and watchful.* (See footnote.) Similarly, in the parable of the talents, Jesus was not

saying that many of the anointed ones during the last days would be wicked and lazy. No, he

was warning the anointed ones not to become like a wicked slave but to continue working

hard in the preaching work.Matthew 25:16.

Jesus will reward all his disciples who work hard in the preaching work

16. (a) What two lessons do we learn from the parable of the talents? (b) How has this article helped us to

understand the parable of the talents? (See the box How Should We Understand the Parable of the Talents?)

16 What two lessons do we learn from the parable of the talents? First, Jesus gave his

anointed disciples a precious treasure, the important responsibility to preach and make

disciples. Second, Jesus expects all of us to work hard in the preaching work. If we endure

faithfully in this work and remain obedient and loyal to Jesus, we can be sure that he will

reward us.Matthew 25:21,23, 34.

How Is the Parable of the Talents Similar to the Parable of the Minas?

The parable of the talents is very similar to the parable of the minas. They both are about a

master who has slaves. Just before he goes away on a journey, he gives them money and

tells them to make more money for him. When he comes back, he asks his slaves what they

did with his money. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) What do these parables mean? In

both parables, the master (1) refers to Jesus. The slaves(2) refer to his anointed disciples.

The money (3) refers to the precious responsibility of making disciples. Both of these

parables warn anointed Christians that they should not become wicked and lazy.

Judged As Worthy When They Die

From the first century on, anointed disciples have been given the talents, that is, the

responsibility to preach. They will be judged based on how they fulfill it. Faithful anointed

ones who die before the great tribulation will have received their final sealing by the time that

they die. But in the parable of the talents, Jesus was talking about when he comes to settle

accounts with the anointed ones who will still be alive on earth during the great tribulation.

How Should We Understand the Parable of the Talents?

When Does the Master Reward the Slaves?

Old explanation: In 1919, Jesus rewarded his anointed slaves on earth by giving them

more responsibility.

New explanation: When Christ comes in the future, he will reward his faithful anointed

slaves by raising them to heaven.

Who Is the Wicked and Lazy Slave?

Old explanation: The wicked and lazy slave refers to those anointed ones during the time

period of 1914 who refused to preach.

New explanation: Jesus was not prophesying that a specific group of anointed ones would

become wicked and lazy. Instead, he was warning anointed Christians about what would

happen if they became wicked and lazy.

The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 21-22, paragraphs 8-10, explains who the faithful and

discreet slave is.

The previous article in this magazine explains who the virgins are.

The parable of the sheep and the goats is explained in The Watchtower, October 15, 1995,

pages 23-28, and in the next article in this magazine.

See the box How Is the Parable of the Talents Similar to the Parable of the Minas?

In Jesus time, one talent was the amount of money a worker earned in 20 years.

Soon after the apostles died, the apostasy spread to all congregations. For many centuries,

very little was done in the preaching work. But during the harvest, or the time of the end,

the preaching work would begin again. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) See The

Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 9-12.

See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pages 7-8, paragraphs 14-18.

See paragraph 13 of the article Will You Keep on the Watch? in this magazine.

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

Parable: A detailed story that teaches a lesson

Talent: A large amount of money in Jesus day. A man had to work for 20 years to earn

just one talent

Final sealing: The anointed ones receive the final sealing from Jehovah when he judges

them as faithful and approves them to receive immortal life in heaven