Watchtower Study, “One Will Be Taken and the Other Left,” Week of November 25-December 1, 2024, Commentary and Responses.

Watchtower Study, “One Will Be Taken and the Other Left,” November 25-December 1, 2024, Commentary and Responses.

“One will be taken and the other will be abandoned” (MAT. 24:40).

1. What will Jesus do soon?

Jesus will judge everyone living on Earth, separating people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, according to their actions and attitude toward the good news.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jesus will soon judge all of humanity. We know that time is near because He gave a prophecy as a sign of His presence and the end of the system of things recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21.

Matthew 24:3 says that Jesus gave his disciples a prophecy about “the conclusion of the system.” Today we see signs such as conflicts, disasters, and an increase in worldwide preaching. This confirms that judgment is near and that we must act in harmony with that warning.

It is important to remember that this judgment will not only be on what we do externally, but also on our motives and loyalty. Now is the time to reflect: Are we fully supporting the Kingdom of God?

2. What are we going to see in this article, and why?

In this article we will analyze three parables of Jesus: The sheep and the goats, the 10 virgins and the talents. Each one highlights behaviors that Jesus will evaluate in each person at the time of judging and teaches us how to prepare ourselves.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus explains the parable of the sheep and the goats. The key is to show loyalty by supporting the anointed and actively participating in the work of the Kingdom. This involves not just words, but actions.

The parables help us to understand that this is not a general warning, but a personal evaluation. Reflecting on our conduct in terms of faithfulness, preparation and spiritual work is essential.

THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS

3. When will Jesus judge people?

Jesus will judge people during the great tribulation, just before Armageddon.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

At that time, He will decide whether each person is a sheep or a goat, taking into account whether they accepted the good news and supported their Anointed brothers.

Matthew 25:31-46 shows that Jesus will separate people like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. This judgment will not be arbitrary; it will be based on how we respond to the good news and how we support our anointed brothers.

Now is the time to act. The Great Tribulation will be a one-time event, and there will be no opportunity to change at that time. This should prompt us to demonstrate our faith and loyalty every day.

4. According to Isaiah 11:3, 4, why can we be sure that Jesus will judge people fairly? (See also images.)

Because Jesus does not rely only on appearances, but judges according to divine justice and a deep understanding of people.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We can be sure that Jesus will judge people fairly because Jehovah appointed him as Judge and the Bible guarantees that he will do so with justice. 

Jesus will evaluate what people think, say, and do, especially how they treat the anointed brothers and support his work mainly through preaching. Those who support them will be considered righteous and will have the opportunity to live forever on earth.

Isaiah 11:3, 4 says that Jesus “will not judge by the sight of his eyes.” This assures us that his judgment will be perfect, because he evaluates not only our actions but also our deepest intentions and thoughts.

It is comforting to know that Jesus understands our struggles and limitations. So we must focus on keeping a sincere and faithful heart, trusting that His judgment will be balanced and fair.

ILLUSTRATION

Jesus sits on a throne high above the earth, looking down at two groups of people. Images of brothers and sisters serving Jehovah: 1. A sister looking up at the sky with a tablet in her hand. 2. A married couple reading the Bible. 3. A group of brothers and sisters building a Kingdom Hall. 4. A brother praying in a cell. 5. An elderly sister commenting at a meeting. 6. A sister in a hospital bed offering a tract to a nurse. 7. A brother studying with his wife and son. Images of men and women acting against Bible principles: 1. A man praying in a casino. 2. A man beating a woman. 3. A violent demonstration. 4. A man pulls out a gun as he follows a woman in a parking lot. 5. A religious leader praying for soldiers. 6. A woman using drugs. Soon, Jesus will judge each person to decide whether he or she has proven to be like a sheep or a goat. (See paragraph 4.)

5. What does the parable of the sheep and the goats teach us, and who should pay attention to it?

The parable teaches that Jesus' approval will depend on our loyalty and support for the Kingdom of God and its representatives on Earth.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The parable of the sheep and the goats teaches us that we must demonstrate fidelity and loyalty, especially by supporting Christ's brothers in preaching and following the instructions of the small group of Anointed Ones selected by Jesus. 

Although it applies primarily to those who hope to live on earth, those who hope to live in heaven must also pay attention, since Jesus watches what we think, say, and do, and everyone must demonstrate their faithfulness.

Matthew 24:45 speaks of the “faithful and wise slave” who leads the preaching work. Supporting his leadership is a key sign of loyalty that identifies us as sheep.

Both the anointed and those of the other hope must heed this parable. Demonstrating loyalty includes acting in a practical way and following instructions in Kingdom work.

THE 10 VIRGINS

6. How did five of the virgins show that they were wise? (Matthew 25:6-10)

The wise virgins carried enough oil, demonstrating their preparation and willingness to wait for the groom as long as necessary.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The five wise virgins demonstrated their wisdom by being prepared and attentive, willing to wait as long as necessary, even if the groom was late. They carried lamps with oil and extra flasks of oil to make sure their lamps did not go out. In this way, they were sure to be ready when the groom arrived and could enter with him to the wedding banquet.

Matthew 25:6-10 highlights that spiritual preparation is key. Oil symbolizes faith and consistent good works. Anointed Christians must remain vigilant to receive their heavenly reward.

Preparation also applies to those who hope to live on earth. Being spiritually awake includes studying the Bible, preaching, and maintaining a close relationship with Jehovah at all times.

7. What happened to the five foolish virgins, and why?

The foolish virgins were not ready when the groom arrived and were excluded from the banquet, losing their reward.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The five foolish virgins were not ready when the groom arrived. Realizing that their lamps were going out and they had no extra oil, they had to go buy more. When they returned, the groom had already arrived and the wise virgins had entered the banquet. The door was shut, and when the foolish virgins asked to come in, the groom said to them, “I do not know you.” This happened because they were not prepared to wait as long as necessary.

In Matthew 25:11, 12, the bridegroom tells them, “I do not know you.” This shows that if we are not spiritually prepared, we can lose our relationship with Jesus and with Jehovah.

The contrast between the wise and foolish virgins underscores the importance of staying spiritually active. It is not enough to start well; we must persevere to the end.

8, 9. What does the parable of the 10 virgins teach the anointed? (See also the images.)

It teaches them the importance of being prepared and vigilant until the end to receive their heavenly reward.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The parable of the 10 virgins teaches the anointed the importance of always being prepared and vigilant, willing to remain faithful to the end. Jesus did not mean that there would be two groups of anointed, but that all must be prepared to endure faithfully to the end, otherwise they will not receive their reward.

Matthew 24:13 says, “He who has endured to the end is the one who will be saved.” This applies to both the anointed and those who await life on Earth. Vigilance is essential.

The key lesson is that all of us, whether we hope to live in heaven or on earth, must be vigilant and prepared for Jesus' coming, no matter how much time passes.

Being prepared also means helping each other maintain our faith. The congregation is a place where we gain strength to continue moving forward in this difficult system.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother is watching the news and comparing the news to what he has read in the Bible. Circled inside is Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins. It is important for all of us to heed the warning in the parable of the 10 virgins and be prepared, alert, and ready to endure to the end. (See paragraphs 8 and 9.)

THE TALENTS

10. How did the first two slaves prove they were faithful? (Matthew 25:19-23)

They worked hard and multiplied the talents their master had entrusted to them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The first two slaves proved their loyalty by being hard-working and striving to make the talents their master had entrusted to them come to fruition. By doubling the amount of money they received, they showed that they had used what had been given to them wisely. As a result, when their master returned, he congratulated them and invited them to share in his happiness.

Matthew 25:21 shows the master’s reward: “Come and share your master’s happiness.” This highlights that faithful effort is recognized and rewarded by Jehovah.

This parable motivates us to use our resources and abilities to support Kingdom work, trusting that Jehovah values ​​our sincere actions.

11. What happened to the lazy slave, and why?

The lazy slave was reprimanded, had his talent taken away, and was thrown out of his master's house because he did not use his talent to produce profit and had a bad attitude toward his master.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The lazy slave was reprimanded by his master because he did not use the talent that was given to him to produce profit. Instead of working, he hid it in a hole in the ground when the master returned and the slave returned the talent without having done anything with it, he showed a bad attitude and unfairly accused his master of being a demanding man, as punishment, the master took away the talent and threw him out.

In Matthew 25:26-30, Jesus describes how the master called the slave who did not work with what had been entrusted to him “lazy” and “wicked.” This shows that Jehovah expects us to use our abilities and opportunities to serve him enthusiastically and loyally. Failing to do so could mean losing our relationship with him.

The story of the lazy slave reminds us that our actions reflect our attitude toward Jehovah. If we act with apathy or lack of appreciation, we show that we do not value our spiritual responsibilities, something we must avoid in order to maintain his approval.

12. Who do the two faithful slaves represent today?

The two faithful slaves represent anointed Christians who work diligently and are rewarded with heavenly life by sharing in the happiness of their Lord.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jesus grants them the heavenly reward, the first resurrection, saying: come and share your master's happiness.

Revelation 20:5a mentions the first resurrection, reserved for anointed ones who are faithful and diligent. This reinforces that working hard for Jehovah not only brings happiness now, but ensures an eternal reward in heaven.

The example of the two faithful slaves is a warning to all Christians, whether anointed or not, to be responsible in fulfilling our spiritual duties. Valuing our opportunities for service shows that we love Jehovah and desire to please him.

13, 14. What does the parable of the talents teach the anointed? (See also the images.)

The parable teaches that the anointed must remain zealous and vigilant to “make sure their calling and selection.” Laziness or lack of preparation can cost them entry into the heavenly Kingdom.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The parable of the talents teaches the anointed that they must be hard-working and responsible with what Jehovah has entrusted to them. Jesus was not suggesting that the anointed become lazy, but rather he was warning them about the consequences of losing their enthusiasm and dedication. If this happened, they would not be able to secure their calling and selection and would not be able to enter the heavenly Kingdom.

In 2 Peter 1:10, Christians are exhorted to strive to make their hope firm. Jesus’ warning in the parable reinforces that it is not enough to receive a privilege; we must work diligently to maintain it.

Although the warning applies especially to the anointed, all Christians can learn from it: we must be hard-working and take advantage of opportunities to serve Jehovah with enthusiasm, without losing spiritual focus.

ILLUSTRATION

An anointed sister teaches a Bible class to a woman. Inside the circle is Jesus' parable of the talents. Jesus wants the anointed to show that they are hard workers. (See paragraphs 13 and 14.) 

WHO WILL BE TAKEN AWAY

15, 16. According to Matthew 24:40, 41, why is it important for the anointed to remain vigilant?

The anointed must remain vigilant because the time will come when Jesus will reveal who is approved to enter the heavenly Kingdom.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is important for the anointed to remain vigilant because Jesus explained that, in the end, only those who are truly anointed and remain faithful will be received by him into the Heavenly Kingdom.

In Matthew 24:40,41, Jesus mentions that even though two people may be doing the same thing, only one will be taken and the other abandoned. This shows that it is not enough to be called, but it is essential to remain faithful to the end.

In verse 42, Jesus exhorts his followers to be vigilant because we do not know when the Lord will come. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing preparation to receive Jehovah's approval at any time.

Spiritual vigilance applies not only to the anointed, but to all of Jehovah's servants. Staying alert protects us from straying from the path and ensures that we are ready to receive divine blessing when the time comes.

17. If Jehovah has decided to anoint some of his faithful servants in recent years, why does that not cause us concern?

We are not worried because we trust in Jehovah's decisions and we know that all faithful anointed ones will receive the same heavenly reward, no matter when they were chosen.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We are not concerned that Jehovah has decided to anoint some of his faithful servants in recent years, because we have complete confidence in his decisions. We remember what Jesus taught in the account of the vineyard, where the workers hired at the end of the day received the same pay as those who worked early. In the same way, all faithful anointed ones will receive the same heavenly reward, regardless of when they were chosen.

In Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the workers in the vineyard teaches that all who work faithfully receive the same reward. This reinforces that Jehovah's justice is perfect and does not depend on how long someone has served.

This teaching encourages us not to compare ourselves with others, but to focus on being faithful. Jehovah knows when and how to reward each of his servants, showing his impartial wisdom and love.

PAY ATTENTION TO WARNINGS

18, 19. What lessons and warnings have we seen in this article?

In this article we have learned important lessons and warnings: From the parable of the sheep and the goats we learn that those who have the hope of living forever on earth must remain faithful and loyal, both now and during the great tribulation. Jesus will decide who are faithful and deserve eternal life.

From the parable of the ten virgins we learn that we must always be separate, attentive and ready to wait as long as necessary until Jesus brings an end to this system.

From the parable of the talents we learn the importance of being active in Jehovah's service and striving to bear fruit to the end. Those who are lazy and do not work faithfully will be rejected.

20. What will Jehovah do if we heed his warnings?

If we heed Jehovah's warnings, He will give us the strength to stand before Jesus at His judgment. By being faithful, we will receive the approval of our loving heavenly Father, who, in His great kindness, will ensure that our names are recorded in the book of life. This will allow us to have the hope of living in heaven or on earth, as promised.

WHAT LESSONS DO THESE PARABLES TEACH US?

The one with the sheep and the goats

We must demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness in our worship now to be considered worthy of “going to eternal life.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This parable teaches us that it is essential that those who hope to live forever on earth remain faithful and loyal to Jehovah, not only in easy times, but also during the great Tribulation.

In Matthew 25:46, Jesus teaches that our future depends on our present actions. Treating Christ's brothers well demonstrates our faith and obedience, allowing us to be blessed by Jehovah in the great tribulation.

This parable reminds us that our relationship with others reflects our relationship with Jehovah. Supporting God's servants and remaining loyal shows that we are ready to receive his approval.

The one with the 10 virgins

We must be spiritually prepared and remain vigilant, even if it seems like a long wait, to enter the Kingdom of God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In Matthew 25:13, Jesus stresses the importance of being ready and alert at all times. This teaches us that we should never let down our guard in our worship, no matter how much time passes.

The attitude of the wise virgins motivates us to be diligent in strengthening our spirituality. Preparing in advance demonstrates our trust in Jehovah and his perfect timing.

In summary, the parable of the ten virgins teaches us the importance of always being prepared and faithful, maintaining our spiritual vigilance until the return of Jesus.

The one with the talents

Jehovah expects us to use our abilities to the fullest in his service. If we are hard-working, we will gain his approval; if we are lazy, we may lose his favor. —Matt. 25:26-30.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The word about talents teaches us that we must be responsible, hard-working, and faithfully use what Jehovah has given us, to be rewarded for our faithfulness.

Matthew 25:21 shows how the master praised the faithful slaves for being hard workers. This underscores that effort and loyalty are essential to receiving divine reward.

This parable teaches us that every opportunity to serve Jehovah is a privilege. Being active and enthusiastic in our tasks shows how much we value our relationship with him.