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“You are my witnesses,” declares Jehovah. (IS. 43:10)
1, 2. How do we know that for Jesus there is nothing more important than the name of Jehovah?
Jesus demonstrated that nothing is more important to him than Jehovah's name, for he came to earth in his name, made it known, taught, and performed miracles to glorify him. He was even willing to die to vindicate his reputation, and at the end of the thousand-year reign, he will be willing to surrender all his authority to sanctify that name.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that the most important thing for Jesus was to sanctify his Father's name. So much so that he came to earth and sacrificed his life to rescue us, but above all, to sanctify his Father's name.
According to Mark 14:36, Jesus was willing to die to fulfill his Father's will, and Hebrews 10:7-9 confirms this obedient attitude, for the name of Jehovah means everything to Jesus.
At the end of the thousand-year reign, he will be willing to surrender all authority in order to sanctify Jehovah's name. So we see that everything Jesus has done is to sanctify Jehovah's holy name.
The prayer recorded in John 17 shows how much Jehovah's name meant to Jesus, because he mentions it many times. For example: "I have made your name known to them." Furthermore, he associates Jehovah's name with the love and unity of the disciples and all those who have faith. We also see that, although he was in a difficult situation and much suffering awaited him, he was most concerned about Jehovah's name.
If anyone observes Jesus' life, they will see that his Father's name was very important to him. Therefore, if someone claims to be a Christian, they should reflect the same value: the same value that Jesus placed on both the name and the use of that name.
3. What will we see in this article?
In this article, we'll see that Christians who preach the good news bear the name Jehovah, and we'll explore what that name should mean to each of us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In this article we will see that those who announce the good news of the Kingdom bear the name of Jehovah.
We will also see what the name Jehovah should mean to each of us.
We will do this analysis with the idea of following in Jesus' footsteps with great care and attention.
We will see that for Jesus, his Father's name meant everything, and in fact, he was willing not only to come to earth and empty himself, but also to give his life for him. So he is an example for us.
“A PEOPLE FOR ITS NAME”
4. a) What did Jesus say to his disciples just before returning to heaven?
Just before returning to heaven, Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit and that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This meant that the good news would not be limited to Israel, but would reach all nations.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even the farthest part of the earth. In other words, he was already making it clear that the good news would not only be preached in Israel, but that, in time, people of all nations could become disciples of Jesus.
4. b) What question are we going to answer?
We will answer whether the new disciples would only be witnesses of Jesus or if they would also have to know and use the name of Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, “You will be my witnesses.” The question is whether we would only be witnesses for Jesus or whether we would also have to know the name of his Father, Jehovah.
5. How did the apostles and elders in Jerusalem demonstrate the importance of knowing Jehovah's name? (See also the image.)
The apostles and elders in Jerusalem demonstrated the importance of knowing Jehovah's name by emphasizing that new disciples would not only learn about God but would also be called by his name. During the meeting in Jerusalem in 49 AD, James explained that people of all nations would be called by Jehovah's name.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When the apostles and elders met in 49 AD, James said that Simon had told them how Jehovah had directed his attention to the nations to bring forth from them a people for his name. And then, quoting the prophet Amos, he said that these people would be called by his name.
As Peter said, there had been a first time: Israel was already Jehovah's people, his special possession. Jehovah had chosen them, cared for them, and they had a special relationship with him. But now it was different, because they bore Jehovah's name, they were going to be his witnesses, and, thanks to Jesus, they became a universal people, visible and active in their work of preaching.
The new disciples would be called by the name of God, Jehovah, and in this case they would not only know that name, but they would make it known to everyone. It would be something that would identify them.
The image shows James speaking and quoting the prophecy of Amos, which mentions that his people would be called by name, by Jehovah. And, as we can see, the rest of the apostles and elders of Jerusalem were also there, examining the Scriptures and following what he was saying. So, they were definitely corroborating what James was saying there.
The context must be taken into account: whether it would only be Jews or whether it would also include people from the nations. Furthermore, the use of Scripture, as shown in the image, indicates that they carefully consulted everything the Bible said.
ILLUSTRATION
James speaks to some apostles and elders of Jerusalem. Two of the brothers have scrolls open while they listen to him.
The apostles and elders in Jerusalem understood that Christians would make Jehovah's name known and would be known by that name. (See paragraph 5.)
6, 7. a) Why did Jesus come to Earth? b) What is the most important reason why Jesus came to Earth?
Jesus came to Earth to give his life as a ransom for humanity. By paying the ransom, he made it possible for all who have faith to receive forgiveness of their sins and the opportunity to obtain eternal life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It was necessary for Him to come to earth not only to compensate for the perfect life that Adam had lost, but also to sanctify Jehovah's name, because Satan had implied that He was not a good ruler. Jesus came to teach who His Father was, what a good ruler was like, with a good purpose, and a just one.
Matthew 20:28 says that the Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many people. So he came to give his life for humanity.
A very important idea is revealed in John 3:16. It says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that all might have life—eternal life." So, how important and how grateful we should be to Jehovah and Jesus for this! First, because Jesus gave his life, and then because Jehovah allowed this ransom for the good of humanity.
6, 7. b) What is the most important reason why Jesus came to Earth?
The most important reason he came was to sanctify Jehovah's name, defending his reputation and showing that he is a just and loving ruler.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This analysis shows us that Jesus' work was not only focused on saving humanity, but also on defending the truth about who Jehovah is. Understanding this, we appreciate Jesus' sacrifice and commitment to divine justice even more.
We can see that, for Jesus, Jehovah's reputation was undoubtedly far more important than his own. He sanctified Jehovah's name, and he was the only one who could do so perfectly, as Jehovah's representative.
Jehovah's name had been slandered when Adam and Eve sinned, because Satan had said it was a lie that they would die and that if they ate the fruit, they would be equal to God. So, that name was tarnished. Therefore, Jesus wanted his Father's reputation cleared, and that was, for him, one of the most important reasons why he came to earth.
The question is: How is it possible for someone to claim to be a Christian and not know or use the name Jehovah? There are religions that, even though they know Jehovah's name well, choose not to use it.
How can someone claim to be a Christian and not know or use the name Jehovah?
8. What would all those who became disciples of Jesus have to understand and accept?
All who became Jesus' disciples would have to understand and accept that the one who truly made their salvation possible was Jehovah, Jesus' Father. They would be known by God's name and would have to understand the importance of sanctifying Jehovah's name, since their salvation depended on it. Therefore, all faithful disciples had to learn from both Jehovah and Jesus.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This passage underscores that Jehovah's name is not a minor detail, but an essential part of the identity and purpose of true Christians. Being known by Jehovah's name reflects our loyalty and commitment to him.
They would have to understand and accept that, in reality, it was Jehovah who made their salvation possible. As Jesus said in John 17:3, eternal life consists in coming to know Jehovah and Jesus Christ.
In Acts 2:21, 22, when they received the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up and declared, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That is a requirement for us as well. For it is true that Jesus Christ did many mighty works; but, as is later clarified, “these amazing things and miracles God did through him.”
Something we should also consider is the importance for us to sanctify Jehovah's name. This will allow us, or help us, to act in ways that will help us achieve this: to make Jehovah's name known and, above all, to sanctify it through our actions.
For us too, as the Lord's Prayer shows, it is important to sanctify the name of Jehovah.
“YOU ARE MY WITNESSES”
9. How should true Christians view the name of Jehovah?
True Christians must view Jehovah's name as the most important thing, above all other names. Sanctifying his name must be a matter of utmost importance to us, and we must demonstrate this with our actions.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This discussion reminds us that Jehovah's name should be central not only in our hearts but also in our conduct. By honoring his name with our words and actions, we participate in divine vindication and fulfill our purpose as faithful servants.
We must see Jehovah's name as the most important thing in our lives, just as it was for Jesus, and we demonstrate this with our daily actions.
Since Jehovah's name is so under attack, what can we do to sanctify it? Contributing by our example and our actions will demonstrate that we give him priority in our lives.
Satan is the chief slanderer, the first to lie and defame, calling Jehovah anything but what He truly is: a holy God. Therefore, we do not want Jehovah's name to be tarnished by any of our actions.
10. What symbolic judgment is described in chapters 42-44 of the book of Isaiah? (Isaiah 43:9; 44:7-9; see also the image.)
Isaiah chapters 42–44 describe a symbolic judgment in which Jehovah challenges the false gods to prove their divinity and present witnesses to confirm their claims. However, no one can do so, demonstrating that only Jehovah is the true God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Here we see the importance of our role as Jehovah's Witnesses. As in this symbolic judgment, we are called to proclaim to the world that Jehovah is the only true God. Our ministry and our daily lives must reflect this truth to vindicate his name.
Jehovah challenges those who claim to be gods, and to prove it, he tells them to present their witnesses; that's the challenge. Jehovah can present his witnesses, but that also represents a great burden and responsibility for those of us who are witnesses of the true God. The point is that, to prove it, witnesses had to be presented.
According to the texts we have read, false gods have no witnesses, no fulfilled prophecies, and no facts to support their divinity. In contrast, only Jehovah has witnesses and power. Therefore, our work as witnesses is key to making this clear to everyone.
In the image we can see the witnesses who have attended the trial and who, through their actions, are demonstrating who the true God is.
The image shows an informal sermon: a little sister takes advantage of a normal conversation to give testimony to a friend.
In the image, we see a little brother who, while using public transportation to get around, takes the opportunity to talk to the passengers next to him and thus sanctify the holy name of Jehovah.
The image shows a brother who, probably for defending his beliefs or for attending meetings as we do today, is being taken to prison, possibly in a country where we don't have the same freedom we have here to profess our own faith.
In the image, we can see a sister lying in bed in a hospital, explaining the position on the blood to her doctor. This sister is trusting in Jehovah and demonstrating integrity. Furthermore, there is a figure that appears six times: the angels watching over everyone.
We have been called to testify as witnesses in a symbolic trial, which reminds us of the importance of our work to testify and to demonstrate with our actions that everything Satan claims is a lie; in this way, we sanctify and vindicate Jehovah's holy name.
ILLUSTRATION
We have been called to testify as witnesses in a symbolic trial. (See paragraphs 10 and 11.)
11. According to Isaiah 43:10-12, What does Jehovah say to his servants?
According to Isaiah 43:10-12, Jehovah tells his servants that they are his witnesses and that they must prove that he is the only true God. He asks them to answer the question, “Is there any God besides me?” As Jehovah’s servants, we have the privilege of bearing witness, both in word and deed, that Jehovah is the only true God and that his name is above all others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This passage reminds us of the great honor we have as Jehovah's Witnesses. We not only verbally declare that he is the only true God, but we also demonstrate it through a life of integrity and devotion. By facing challenges with faith and perseverance, we reflect our love for Jehovah and help vindicate his name.
As we read in Isaiah 43:10-12, Jehovah twice states that we are his witnesses. He emphasizes this idea and also mentions that Jehovah himself saved his people. So, clearly, Jehovah is the one who has chosen and decided who his witnesses are, and who, as we saw in the previous illustration, will defend him before the rest of humanity.
He tells us that we are his witnesses and that we can demonstrate this through our way of life, because if we truly love Jehovah, we must be loyal despite the obstacles Satan puts before us. We must always be loyal to sanctify Jehovah's name. In this way, we can prove that Satan is a liar.
As we've seen in the illustration, each person, in their own way, can sanctify Jehovah's name. It's not easy being young and different at school, but this young woman honors Jehovah by witnessing to her classmates, knowing that doing so could backfire. Or the sister who sanctifies Jehovah's name by standing firm in her position on the blood, or this brother who is being taken prisoner. Each of us, in our own way, can sanctify Jehovah's name by who we are and by how others perceive us.
12. How was the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, 5 fulfilled?
The prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, 5 was fulfilled when John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, who came in Jehovah's name and spoke in his name. Furthermore, the declaration that Jehovah's glory would be revealed was fulfilled because Jesus represented his Father so perfectly that it was as if Jehovah himself had come to earth.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We have seen how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and made it very clear who they should follow: that someone superior would come and that he was the one they should follow.
Isaiah 40:5 says, “The glory of Jehovah will be revealed, and all will see it, for the mouth of Jehovah has spoken.” This was fulfilled when Jesus came to earth. Although he was the one speaking, he was representing his Father; in reality, he was conveying his Father’s message, thus perfectly reflecting Jehovah’s glory.
13. How can we imitate Jesus?
We can imitate Jesus by supporting and honoring Jehovah's name in everything we do. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we bear his name proudly and tell others about his wonderful works. To fulfill this role well, we must also teach what Jesus did and will do to sanctify Jehovah's name.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This analysis reminds us that imitating Jesus involves not only speaking about Jehovah, but also living in a way that reflects his character and purpose. Every time we defend Jehovah's name or share the good news, we are following Christ's example.
When we defend his name and reputation, telling everyone about all the good things he has done and will do, and about his qualities, just as Jesus did.
As Revelation 1:5 says, Jesus Christ is Jehovah's greatest Witness. We also want to imitate him by defending Jehovah's name, bearing witness to his holy name, and testifying in his favor, using the simile of judgment. We must also speak of Jesus Christ, because he has contributed so much to sanctifying Jehovah's name that bearing witness to Jehovah would not be complete without mentioning his role in this.
We teach about all the wonderful things Jesus did on earth, how he sanctified Jehovah's name, but we also need to talk about how he will sanctify Jehovah's name later, because we have yet to see the end.
As servants of Jehovah and disciples of Jesus Christ, despite the tests Satan may place before us in this system, we are willing to defend Jehovah's name, even if it means risking our lives.
WHAT DOES THE NAME OF JEHOVAH MEAN TO US?
14. As Psalm 105:3 indicates, How do we feel about the name of Jehovah?
True Christians feel pride and deep love for Jehovah's name. We consider it a privilege to honor him and defend his reputation everywhere, never ashamed to identify ourselves as his witnesses, despite opposition.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah loves it when we proudly speak his name and boast about him. Boasting about Jehovah means being proud to have Jehovah as our God.
We know Jehovah likes this because we read in Jeremiah 9:24 that what pleases him is when we boast about having understanding and knowledge of him. Paul also, when he wrote his two letters to the Corinthians, told them to boast in the name of Jehovah.
We are proud to bear Jehovah's name. This is important because it will help us talk about Jehovah at any time. When you are proud of something, talking about it will come naturally, whether at school, at work, or anywhere else. That way, it will be easy for us to talk about Jehovah and what he offers.
As Jeremiah 23 shows, the Israelites once downplayed Jehovah's name. Something similar is happening today: many religious leaders say it's not important to use God's name and even remove it from the Bible. This contrasts sharply with the view of Jehovah's servants.
15. What does it mean to call on the name of Jehovah?
Calling on Jehovah's name means knowing him deeply, trusting in him, and seeking his help and guidance. It also involves telling others about his name and qualities, encouraging them to repent and draw near to him for his approval.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Calling on the name of Jehovah is a profound act of faith and devotion. It's not just about saying his name, but about living in harmony with what he represents.
As a basis, it is knowing it and using it, but it goes further: it is trusting in our God Jehovah and turning to him as our guide.
It involves speaking to others about his name and encouraging them to repent, draw closer to Jehovah, and make the necessary changes to gain his approval.
Psalm 20:7 says that, in the time of Israel and in the context of wars, ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we call on the name of Jehovah, our God.’ They had a firm faith that Jehovah was indeed the one who gave them victory.
Psalm 145:18 highlights an idea of what it means to call on the name of Jehovah: to seek him. The text says that he is near to all who call on him in sincerity. So, calling on Jehovah also involves asking for his guidance, not only when we are in trouble, but also in our daily lives.
Psalm 145:18 highlights what it means to call on the name of Jehovah, which is to "seek him." The text says that he is near to all who call on him in sincerity. Therefore, calling on Jehovah also involves asking for his guidance, not only when we are in trouble, but also in our daily lives.
The same idea is emphasized in Psalms 99:6 and 116:4. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are mentioned as people who trusted in God; that's why they called upon him, called upon him, and knew he would answer them. Even in times of need, the psalmist sought help because he knew Jehovah would rescue him. So, in these instances, everyone trusted in God and turned to him for help, especially in difficult times.
16. How can we prove that Satan is a liar?
We prove Satan a liar when we remain loyal to Jehovah, even in the midst of trials and suffering. By doing so, we prove that we love him for who he is, not just for what he gives us, and that we will never turn our backs on him, just as Job did in his time.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This analysis reminds us that our faithfulness under trial is a powerful way to vindicate Jehovah's name. By resisting Satan's attacks and remaining steadfast in our worship, we prove that he is a liar and that Jehovah deserves our absolute love and loyalty.
Being loyal to Jehovah and always wanting to defend his name, that's what Job did. He remained faithful to Jehovah and thus proved Satan a liar.
Satan's accusation is that we serve Jehovah out of self-interest. Serving Jehovah despite difficult circumstances demonstrates that, as imperfect humans, we can contribute to the sanctification of Jehovah's name. This should encourage us to continue forward and constantly improve.
17. According to 1 Peter 2:12, how else can we give glory to the name of Jehovah?
According to 1 Peter 2:12, we can bring glory to Jehovah's name with our excellent conduct, even in the face of those who slander us. As representatives who bear his name, our actions and words should honor him, showing respect and praise despite our imperfections.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Since we bear Jehovah's name as his witnesses, this means that our conduct can either honor him or tarnish his reputation. Therefore, we must be very careful about what we say and do.
It's clear that, as Jehovah's Witnesses, we want to honor Jehovah's name at all times in our lives, knowing that there are those who try to prevent us from honoring it. But we, like Job, must show our love for Jehovah despite difficult situations.
18. How else do we show that Jehovah's name is important to us? (See also footnote.)
We demonstrate that Jehovah's name is more important than our own reputation when, like Jesus, we do what pleases him, even if it means ridicule, criticism, or humiliation. Like him, we put God's will above what others think of us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
According to the note, even faithful Job was more concerned about God's reputation than his own when his three so-called friends criticized him. It is true that, at first, when he lost his children and all his possessions, he did not sin or accuse God of wrongdoing.
We demonstrate this, for example, when we act as Jehovah pleases, even though this sometimes means that others mock us, laugh at us, or criticize us.
At that moment, Job placed more importance on his reputation than on sanctifying Jehovah's name or protecting Jehovah's reputation. This is something that could happen to us as well. Therefore, this article emphasizes that we should care more about Jehovah's name than what others say about us.
Jesus was suffering because of what others were saying about him. They said he was a blasphemer and that he thought he was the “son of God.” However, we see that this only concerned him to a certain extent; more than anything, he cared about God’s reputation and sanctifying his name. That’s why, at the end of this prayer, he says something like, “It’s very difficult for me, but let it be what you want, not what I want.” Jesus was willing, out of love for Jehovah, to suffer this humiliation because he was more concerned about what Jehovah thought and Jehovah’s reputation than about his own.
19. How do you feel about the name Jehovah, and why?
I feel a deep pride and honor in bearing Jehovah's name. I don't care if others mock or criticize me; for me, his name is above my reputation. I choose to continue praising him no matter the trials, demonstrating, like Jesus, that Jehovah's name means everything to me.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Personally, I feel a great honor to bear Jehovah's name. No matter what difficulties, mockery, or problems arise, Jehovah is always there to help us, and in the end, we will emerge victorious—not us, but Jehovah's name, which is what matters most.
Bearing Jehovah's name makes us very happy, but it goes beyond that, because we consider it a privilege and an honor, and it gives us a sense of responsibility to make it known.
For me, Jehovah's name is a driving force, a force that drives me to make good decisions and move forward in life. The thought that Satan might use me to defile Jehovah pains me greatly. Because of that love, I fight to prevent that from happening.
It is important that Jehovah's name be first in our lives. Sometimes, because of this, we may have to lose our reputation because we are criticized or insulted. But we must consider that if we value our reputation more than that of Jehovah's name, we may end up like Job: at first, he held up well, but when his reputation was attacked, he lost sight of everything and began to vindicate and justify himself more than sanctifying Jehovah's name.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why can we say that the name of Jehovah is important for true followers of Jesus?
Because we follow the example of Jesus, who always defended him and was willing to die for him. For us, Jehovah's name is above all others, and his sanctification is our priority.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because if for Jesus the most important thing was that Jehovah's name be sanctified, if we claim to be followers of Jesus, the sanctification of Jehovah's name should also be the most important thing for us.
In what symbolic trial do we act as witnesses?
In the judgment described in Isaiah 42:44, where Jehovah challenges false gods to demonstrate their power, we confirm with our words and actions that Jehovah is the only true God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In this judgment, Jehovah challenges the false gods to demonstrate their power, and we can participate by acting as witnesses through our words and actions. In this way, we demonstrate that Jehovah is the only true God.
In what ways do we show that Jehovah's name is important to us?
We show that his name is important by taking pride in it and considering it an honor to be known as Jehovah's Witnesses. We care more about his name than about our reputation. We maintain excellent conduct that honors his name. We call on his name by trusting in him and seeking his help, and we are willing to suffer for his name, remaining loyal no matter the difficulties.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we're proud to bear Jehovah's name, we don't care what others think; we always identify with him and try to help people by sharing the good news with them.
When we continue to call on Jehovah's name, it involves much more than just knowing and using it; it involves knowing Jehovah well and trusting in Him.
We are also willing to suffer for the name of Jehovah, and in this way we prove that Satan is a liar.
We also do this when we show respect for his name, through our conduct, in what we say and do.
Doing Jehovah's will to defend his reputation, regardless of what others think or say about us.
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