DAILY TEXT, From today Saturday April 29, Nicodemus went to see Jesus at night (John 3:1, 2).

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Saturday April 29

Nicodemus went to see Jesus at night (John 3:1, 2).

Jesus worked very hard in the ministry. Because he loved people, he took every opportunity to teach them (Luke 19:47, 48). The compassion he felt for them compelled him to do it. Sometimes so many people wanted to hear his teaching that he and his disciples “couldn't even eat” (Mark 3:20). And when a man came to see him at night, Jesus was willing to talk with him. It is true that most of the people who heard Jesus did not become his disciples, but all of them received a complete testimony. Today, we want to give everyone the opportunity to hear the good news (Acts 10:42). To achieve this, we may have to make some changes in our ministry. Instead of choosing the time that suits us, let us preach at the hours when we are most likely to meet the people. If we do, we can be sure that Jehovah will be very happy. w22.01 17 paras. 13, 14.

HE CRIED FOR HIS NEIGHBOR

What event is recorded in Luke 19:36-40?

On Nisan 9, 33 AD, Jesus went to Jerusalem. As he approached the city, a crowd gathered, and people spread cloaks on the road as he passed to show that they accepted him as King. It was certainly a joyous occasion (read Luke 19:36-40). So surely his disciples were surprised to see what Jesus did next: "When he came near the city and saw it, he wept for it." With tears in his eyes, Jesus predicted the terrible future that awaited the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44).

Why did Jesus weep for the inhabitants of Jerusalem?

Jesus was very sad because he knew that, despite such a joyous reception, the majority of the Jews would not accept the message of the Kingdom. For that reason, Jerusalem would be destroyed and those Jews who managed to survive would be taken prisoner (Luke 21:20-24). Unfortunately, just as Jesus had predicted, most people rejected him. How do people generally respond to the Kingdom message in the area where you live? If, despite your efforts to teach them the truth, few respond favorably, what can you learn from Jesus' tears? Let's look at three lessons.

What do the tears that Jesus shed for his neighbor teach us about Jehovah?

Jehovah loves people. Jesus' tears remind us how much Jehovah cares about people. "He does not desire that any should be destroyed, but that all come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). We show that we love our neighbor by willingly continuing to strive for the good news to reach his heart (Matt. 22:39).

What did Jesus do the night before he died, as we read in Luke 22:39-44?

Late on the night of Nisan 14 in the year 33, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane and there he poured out his heart to Jehovah (read Luke 22:39-44). In those difficult moments, he “offered requests […] with loud cries and tears” (Heb. 5:7). What did Jesus ask for that night before he died? He asked Jehovah to give him strength to remain loyal and to do his will. Jehovah heard the fervent prayer of his Son and sent an angel to strengthen him.

Why was Jesus in anguish while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane?

No doubt Jesus wept while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane because he was distressed by the idea that people would think he had blasphemed God. He was also aware of the enormous responsibility he had: to vindicate or defend his Father's name. If you are going through a difficult situation that tests your loyalty to Jehovah, what can you learn from the tears of Jesus? We are going to see three lessons.

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