Watchtower Study Guide, "Article 11," Week of May 19-25, 2025, Let Us Imitate Jesus and Preach with Enthusiasm, Answers.

Watchtower Study Guide, "Article 11," May 19-25, 2025, Let Us Imitate Jesus and Preach with Enthusiasm, Answers.

“The Lord [...] sent them before him two by two to every city and place where he himself was about to go” (Luke 10:1).

1. What is one difference between Jehovah's Witnesses and other people who claim to be Christians?

Zeal for the preaching work is one of the principal characteristics that identify Jehovah's Witnesses as true followers of Christ. Jesus himself placed great emphasis on the work of preaching and taught his disciples to do so consistently. Preaching is a privilege and a responsibility, for it is the principal means by which Jehovah shows his love for mankind.

Unlike false Christians, who may view preaching as optional or limited to events within their churches, Jehovah's Witnesses take the message everywhere. But it's natural for spirits to wane at times. Even the apostle Paul went through difficult times when he needed encouragement. However, remembering the purpose of preaching and seeing its positive impact can help restore enthusiasm.

2. Why is it not always easy to feel enthusiasm for preaching?

When we participate in projects such as building Kingdom Halls or helping fellow believers, we quickly see the fruits of our efforts and feel satisfaction. Furthermore, these activities are often carried out in an atmosphere of harmony and appreciation.

On the other hand, preaching can be discouraging because the results aren't always visible. Sometimes the message isn't well received, and this can make us feel like our efforts aren't having an impact on people. However, the Bible assures us that no labor for Jehovah is in vain, since we are obeying God and sowing seeds that can bear fruit later.

3. What does Luke 13:6-9 teach us about Jesus?

Jesus taught us with his attitude that preaching requires perseverance. Although many did not accept his message, he continued preaching enthusiastically until the end. His parable of the fig tree shows us that Jehovah is also patient and gives people opportunities to change.

Jesus dedicated himself to his ministry with love and determination, and he never stopped looking for ways to reach hearts. This teaches us that the key to maintaining enthusiasm is remembering the value of each person and trusting that, in Jehovah's time, some will respond to the message.

4. What four points will we analyze in this article?

Jesus was not only the greatest preacher of all time, but he also left us a perfect model of enthusiasm. In the last six months of his life, as opposition mounted and his death drew near, instead of diminishing his ministry, he intensified it in four essential ways:

1. Doing Jehovah’s will: In John 4:34, Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” which shows that his mission was his top priority.

2. Pay attention to the prophecies: Jesus quoted Scripture many times to show that what was happening was the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies.

3. Trust in Jehovah: Despite the dangers, he knew that God would support him until the end, as Hebrews 5:7 shows.

4. Maintain a positive attitude: Jesus preached with the hope that some would listen, and they did, even though many rejected him.

HE FOCUSED ON DOING JEHOVAH'S WILL

5. How did Jesus show that he was focused on doing God's will?

Jesus understood that preaching was the purpose of his life. In Luke 4:43, he himself declared, “I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns also.” This demonstrates that his primary mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God, regardless of the difficulties. He wasn't content to preach in one place, but traveled extensively throughout the country, visiting different cities and villages.

Luke 13:22 highlights how Jesus traveled in the final months of his ministry, ensuring the message reached as many people as possible. He also taught and sent others to do so. Luke 10:1 mentions that he sent out 70 disciples two by two, instructing and training them to continue the work.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Jesus demonstrated his focus on doing God's will by preaching enthusiastically. For him, this work was his priority in life. He didn't stay in one place, but traveled through cities and villages teaching people. Furthermore, he didn't work alone, but trained other disciples to preach as well.

6. In what ways does preaching relate to any assignment we have? (See also the images.)

Jehovah has given us the commission to preach, and Jesus made it clear that this work would be the primary task of his followers. Therefore, all other assignments within the congregation are related to this work.

For example, the construction of Kingdom Halls is intended to provide a place of worship for those who accept the message. The work at Bethel and the organization of the worldwide ministry support the distribution of publications.

Furthermore, relief efforts not only help cover basic needs but also allow the brothers to resume their spiritual activities, including preaching.

Remembering this helps us understand that no other activity is more important than bringing the good news of the Kingdom to people. As János, an elder from Hungary, mentions, preaching is our primary task.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A brother works on a construction project. 2. Another brother helps Bethel from his home as a remote volunteer. 3. Later, the two brothers preach together.

Preaching the good news is the main work Jehovah and Jesus want us to do. (See paragraph 6.)

7. Why does Jehovah want us to continue preaching? (1 Timothy 2:3, 4)

Jehovah, as a loving Father, wants as many people as possible to come to know him and be saved. Therefore, he encourages us to continue preaching with enthusiasm. He understands that not everyone will accept the message immediately, but every opportunity they have to hear it can make a difference in the future.

Jesus himself experienced rejection, but that didn't stop him from continuing to preach with determination. Jehovah helps us improve our preaching so that we can be more effective in presenting the message.

PAID ATTENTION TO THE PROPHECIES

8. What effect did knowing the prophecies have on Jesus?

Jesus was fully aware of the prophecies that spoke about his ministry and death. He knew that his time on Earth was limited and that his mission must be fulfilled without delay. He also understood that his suffering and death had been foretold in Scripture, as mentioned in Luke 18:31-34.

Instead of being discouraged, this knowledge motivated him to preach with greater intensity. The certainty that Jehovah's prophecies are always fulfilled led him to act decisively, ensuring that the Kingdom message reached as many people as possible before his death.

9. Why do biblical prophecies motivate us to preach enthusiastically?

Studying and understanding biblical prophecy gives us a clear perspective on the times in which we live. The prophecy of Daniel 11:40 and the prophecy of the statue in Daniel 2:43-45 show how current events, such as conflicts between world powers, are fulfilling exactly what the Bible predicted.

Recognizing that the last days are here, we feel a growing urgency to preach the message of God's Kingdom. We know that the destruction of human governments is imminent, and this motivates us to act quickly. Enthusiasm for preaching arises because we understand that we are in the final stage of history and that every effort in preaching is crucial to saving lives.

10. In what other ways can Bible prophecies motivate us to preach with enthusiasm?

Bible prophecies not only give us insight into the future but also motivate us to share a message of hope with others. Furthermore, prophecies remind us that Jehovah supports us in our work. Isaiah 11:6-9 shows that Jehovah can transform anyone, giving us the confidence to preach even to those who seem uninterested.

Furthermore, the words of Mark 13:10 confirm that the worldwide preaching work is part of the fulfillment of prophecy, making our participation even more meaningful. A sister in the Dominican Republic shared that, when she thinks about these promises, she feels a desire to tell others about them, because Jehovah made these promises not only for her, but for everyone.

HE TRUSTED THAT JEHOVAH WOULD HELP HIM

11. Why did Jesus need to trust in Jehovah to continue preaching with enthusiasm? (Luke 12:49, 53)

Jesus knew that his mission to preach the good news of the Kingdom would not be easy. The words of Luke 12:49-53 reflect his awareness that this message would bring controversy, even from his own family and the religious authorities. Furthermore, his life was filled with assassination attempts by those who did not accept his message.

Despite this tough opposition, Jesus didn't let the obstacles discourage him, as he had complete confidence that Jehovah would support him in his mission. Jesus repeatedly affirmed that Jehovah was at his side, as when he said: "I am not alone, but the Father who sent me is with me."

12. How did Jesus prepare his disciples to continue preaching despite opposition?

Jesus prepared his disciples to continue preaching despite opposition, teaching them to trust in Jehovah's help and giving them clear instructions. He assured them that, although they would face persecution, Jehovah would be with them and help them. He also taught them to be cautious and prudent to avoid unnecessary trouble.

He also explained that they should not force anyone to listen to the message and that if people rejected the preaching, they should simply move on. Jesus preached with enthusiasm and confidence in Jehovah, and he avoided unnecessary exposure to danger. Therefore, he advised his disciples that, in cases of persecution, they should flee for their lives and continue preaching elsewhere.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Jesus prepared his disciples to continue preaching despite opposition, being prudent and trusting in Jehovah. He assured them that Jehovah would help them through difficulties. He also advised them to be cautious and not force anyone to hear the message. He also recommended fleeing when persecuted so they could continue preaching in other places, something he himself applied.

13. Why can you be sure that Jehovah will help you?

Since the time of the apostles, Jehovah has strengthened his people to continue preaching with enthusiasm despite persecution. Jesus himself, in his prayer recorded in John 17, asked his Father to protect his disciples and those who put faith in his message, which includes us today.

The book of Acts shows that Jehovah answered that prayer, helping Christians overcome opposition and continue their work. In Acts 4:29-31, we see that after facing threats, the disciples prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit to preach with greater boldness.

14. Why are we confident that we can continue preaching with enthusiasm? (See also the image.)

We are confident that we will be able to continue preaching with enthusiasm because Jesus assured us that Jehovah will provide the necessary help, even if preaching becomes more difficult as the end approaches. Following his example, we do not force anyone to listen or engage in arguments.

Furthermore, in countries where our brothers face restrictions, they have continued preaching boldly because they trust in Jehovah and not in their own strength.

The apostle Paul experienced great difficulties in his ministry, but Jehovah strengthened him so he could continue. In 2 Timothy 4:17, we read that God gave him power to fully preach the message. Likewise, today Jehovah gives us the courage and the means to preach until his will is accomplished.

ILLUSTRATION

Even when they cannot preach freely, the brothers maintain their enthusiasm and seek discreet ways to share their faith. (See paragraph 14.)

IT WAS POSITIVE

15. How do we know that Jesus had a positive attitude toward preaching?

Jesus had complete confidence that many people would accept the message of the Kingdom. This positive vision helped him stay motivated in his ministry and encourage his disciples. When he spoke to his followers in John 4:35, he invited them to see what he saw: a field ripe for harvest, that is, people with receptive hearts.

Matthew 9:37, 38 and Luke 10:2 show that Jesus repeated this teaching at different times. His insistence that the harvest is plentiful demonstrates that he consistently saw the potential of preaching. Furthermore, his joy in Luke 10:21 confirms that he viewed preaching not only as a responsibility but also as a source of joy.

16. What comparisons did Jesus use to convey a positive attitude toward preaching? (Luke 13:18-21; see also the image.)

Jesus wanted his disciples to have confidence in the work of preaching. Therefore, he used examples that reflected growth and transformation. The mustard seed represents how something that seems small or insignificant can become something great and important. Since its beginnings, preaching has grown enormously, going from a small group of disciples to millions of preachers around the world.

The yeast, for its part, demonstrates that the message of the Kingdom would not only spread to many people, but would also cause changes in the lives of those who accepted it. Although these changes may be internal and subtle at first, over time they become evident in the way true Christians live.

ILLUSTRATION

Two sisters are preaching with their carts in a busy area. Many people pass by the carts without stopping.

Like Jesus, we remain confident that some people will accept the message. (See paragraph 16.)

17. What reasons do we have to maintain a positive attitude toward the ministry?

Jesus taught that the spiritual harvest is great and that more workers are needed. Today we see the fulfillment of those words, as each year more people accept the message of the Kingdom. In 2023, for example, millions attended the commemoration and more than 200,000 people were baptized, confirming that the preaching continues to be successful.

Furthermore, Revelation 7:9, 14 describes a great crowd of people whom Jehovah is gathering to survive the great tribulation. This gives us confidence that there are still sincere people to be found.

18. What do we want people to notice?

We want people to notice our enthusiasm in preaching, just as the apostles did. Acts 4:13 mentions that the people recognized the apostles' courage and determination and understood that they had been with Jesus. Their preaching reflected the teaching and example they had received from Christ.

Likewise, we want to reflect the same enthusiasm and zeal in our work. Preaching is a hallmark of true disciples of Jesus, and our enthusiasm can spark the interest of those who observe us.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How did Jesus view preaching, and how can we imitate him?

Jesus viewed preaching as a vital task and had a positive attitude. He compared people to a field ready for harvest and showed enthusiasm when preaching. We can imitate him by maintaining an optimistic attitude and remembering that there will always be those who accept the message.

How did Jesus show his trust in Jehovah, and how can we imitate him?

Jesus trusted Jehovah completely, especially in difficult times. He prayed for his disciples to be protected and strengthened in their work. We can imitate him by praying with faith, trusting that Jehovah will give us the help we need to continue preaching with courage.

What attitude did Jesus have toward preaching, and how can we imitate him?

Jesus had an enthusiastic and positive attitude, convinced that his message would reach many people. He showed us that preaching would yield good results and that Jehovah would support the work. We can imitate him by preaching with joy and confidence that Jehovah will make the seed of the Kingdom grow.