DAILY TEXT, Today Sunday May 21, 2023,  Go and make disciples of people of all nations. Baptize them and teach them (Matt. 28:19, 20).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Sunday May 21

Go and make disciples of people of all nations. Baptize them and teach them (Matt. 28:19, 20).

Many people stumble because we are neutral on political issues. They think we should vote in elections. But we know that if we chose a human ruler, Jehovah would consider that we are rejecting him (1 Sam. 8:4-7). They may also think that we should devote ourselves to building hospitals and schools, as well as other social works. They stumble because we focus on preaching, not on solving the immediate problems of this world. What will help you not to stumble? (Matt. 7:21-23). Remember that the most important thing is to do the work that Jesus commanded us. Don't be distracted by the political and social problems of this world. Jehovah's Witnesses love people and care about their problems, but we know that the best thing we can do for them is to teach them about the Kingdom of God and help them become friends with Jehovah. w21.05 7 pars. 19, 20.

What bothers many people about Jehovah's Witnesses?

Does the same happen today? Yes. Many people are upset that Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate traditions that go against what the Bible says, such as birthdays and Christmas. Others get angry because we don't participate in patriotic celebrations or follow funeral customs that go against God's Word. These people may be sincere and believe that God accepts what they are doing. But, if you prefer to follow the traditions of this world instead of the clear teachings of the Bible, Jehovah will not give you his approval (Mark 7: 7-9).

What should we do and what should we avoid? (Psalm 119:97, 113, 163-165).

What will help you not to stumble? Cultivate a deep love for God's laws and principles (read Psalm 119:97, 113, 163-165). If he loves Jehovah, he will reject any tradition that displeases him. He will not allow anything to come above his love for Jehovah.

What did many people expect of the Messiah?

In Jesus' time, some wanted a change of government as soon as possible. They hoped that the Messiah would free them from the rule of the Roman Empire. But when they tried to make Jesus king, he refused (John 6:14, 15). Others, including the priests, feared that Jesus would bring about political change and the Romans would become angry and take away the power they had been granted from the religious leaders. Many Jews stumbled over all these political issues.

What prophecies about the Messiah were neglected by many Jews?

What does the Bible say? It is true that it was prophesied that the Messiah would fight in a war and win, but it was also prophesied that he would first have to die for our sins (Is. 53:9, 12). So why did many have wrong expectations? Because they focused on prophecies that spoke of immediate solutions to their problems and left all others aside (John 6:26, 27).

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