Congregational Book Study, Week of December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Lessons 48, 49, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, December 29, 2025 - January 4, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Lessons 48, 49, Answers.

Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 48, 49.

Analysis of Lesson 48: A Widow's Son Comes Back to Life

How did the widow of Sarepta show that she trusted in Jehovah?

The widow of Sarepta showed her trust in Jehovah by obeying the instructions she received through the prophet Elijah, even when the situation seemed impossible. Although she had only a little flour and oil, barely enough for one last meal for herself and her son, she put Jehovah’s word first and baked bread for Elijah. In doing so, she demonstrated faith and trust in Jehovah’s promise that he would provide what was needed during the drought.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The widow of Sarepta showed her trust in Jehovah when, even in her desperate situation, she chose to obey unconditionally. She had only a little flour and oil for one last meal with her son, and after that, she saw no way out. She could have clung to that little out of fear, but she chose to obey Jehovah's instructions and prepared bread for Elijah.

Upon hearing the promise Jehovah gave her through Elijah, the widow chose to put Jehovah first and acted, demonstrating her trust. She did not ask for signs, bargain, or make excuses; she simply did what was right with the only resources she had. Jehovah, who looks at the heart and understands human fear, blessed that simple faith. He responded with constant care, ensuring that the flour and oil did not run out during the drought, providing her and her son with just what they needed to get by.

The lesson this account offers is very practical: when we put Jehovah first, even in times of economic, emotional, or family pressure, he can sustain us in ways we can't imagine. That certainty restores our peace and strength to keep going, no matter the difficulties.

How do we know that Elijah was truly a prophet of God?

We know that Elijah was a true prophet of God because everything he announced in Jehovah's name came true. Jehovah ensured that the flour and oil did not run out during the entire drought, just as Elijah had said. Furthermore, Jehovah answered Elijah's prayer and brought the widow's son back to life, something that had never happened before. These events confirmed that Jehovah supported Elijah and spoke through him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We know that Elijah was truly a prophet of God because Jehovah backed up his work with clear deeds, not empty words. Elijah never presented himself as someone extraordinary or sought personal recognition. When he spoke, he faithfully conveyed Jehovah’s message, and everything he foretold came to pass.

The clearest proof came when the widow's son died. At that moment, Elijah didn't pretend to have his own power or try to impress anyone. He went up to the house with the child, laid him down, and, with profound humility, begged Jehovah to bring him back to life, and Jehovah answered. This event made it clear that Elijah had divine support, for no one could accomplish something like that on their own.

The widow herself immediately understood that Elijah was truly a prophet of God. Seeing her son alive, she recognized that Elijah was a man of God and that his words came from Jehovah. For us, this strengthens our faith, because it reminds us that Jehovah supports those who represent him with humility and sincerity, and that his power is manifested at the right time.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah is a loving, compassionate God who is faithful to his promises. He cares for those who trust in him, regardless of their background or circumstances. It also shows that Jehovah has power over life and death and that he listens to the sincere prayers of his servants.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This account shows us that Jehovah is a God who is close and worthy of complete trust. He did not make an empty promise; he assured us that the flour and oil would not run out, and he kept his word consistently and quietly, demonstrating that his faithfulness does not depend on circumstances.

This account shows us how Jehovah made it clear that his power is limitless by restoring the widow's son to life. This reminds us that he can not only sustain us materially but also lift us up when our suffering seems unbearable. Jehovah does not speak lightly: when he promises, he acts, and when his servants plead with him in faith, he listens.

This account strengthens our confidence that, even if we do not see a way out, Jehovah can open one and, at the same time, give us what we need to continue standing with peace and hope.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We can learn that Jehovah always keeps his promises, even when circumstances seem difficult, and that trusting and obeying Jehovah brings blessings.

We can learn that Jehovah does not show favoritism, but cares for all who trust in him, and that in times of pain and loss we can turn to Jehovah in prayer, confident that he listens and cares for us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that Jehovah does not need someone to be considered important by the world to give them his blessing. The widow was poor, alone, and lacked resources, but Jehovah saw her and sustained her because of her humble and willing attitude. This teaches us not to feel insignificant or think that Jehovah overlooks us when we are tired, discouraged, or facing difficulties.

We learn that genuine faith is demonstrated through simple actions: obeying, persevering, and doing what is right, even when it requires effort. Jehovah does not always transform the situation immediately, but he can provide what we need, just as he did with the flour and oil that never ran out. And when we face a more intense trial, this account reminds us that Jehovah listens and acts at the right time.

The practical lesson we learn is very clear. Jehovah does not need us to be important in the eyes of the world to bless us; He sees our humble and willing attitude.

We learn that true faith is shown through simple actions, such as obeying and doing what is right even when the situation is difficult. If we trust and obey, Jehovah can sustain us in ways we cannot imagine, giving us the strength we need not to give up.

Analysis of Lesson 49: An evil queen receives her punishment

What did Jezebel do to get Naboth's vineyard?

Jezebel seized Naboth's vineyard through deceit and violence. She wrote letters in King Ahab's name and ordered the city elders to falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God. Then she had him stoned to death. After his death, Jezebel told Ahab he could keep the vineyard.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In her desire to possess the vineyard, Jezebel disregarded Naboth's righteous decision and his desire to obey Jehovah's law. Instead of accepting his refusal, she decided to obtain it by force. She used the king's authority as a tool, wrote letters, manipulated influence, and pressured the elders to orchestrate a deception. In this way, they framed Naboth for a serious crime and succeeded in having him convicted and executed, even though he was innocent.

With Naboth out of the way, Jezebel told Ahab he could now take the vineyard. What's most shocking is that she not only lied, but also corrupted others to commit the injustice for her, revealing a hardened heart with no respect for truth or life.

This story encourages us to examine ourselves, because when a desire becomes an obsession, it can lead us to justify what is wrong. Jehovah, on the other hand, values ​​honesty, uprightness, and respect for what is right, even when that means giving up something we desire.

Why did Jehovah punish Jezebel?

Jehovah punished Jezebel for her many and serious sins. Not only did she order the murder of an innocent man, but she also persecuted and killed many of Jehovah’s servants, promoted idol worship, and acted with great cruelty and arrogance. Jehovah saw all that she did and, in due time, executed his judgment through Jehu.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah punished Jezebel not because she made a single mistake, but because her life was marked by wickedness. She used her power to oppress others, lied, manipulated, and ordered the deaths of innocent people. Yet she never showed humility or any intention of changing; on the contrary, she continued to act with pride, as if no one could stop her.

Through this punishment, Jehovah made something very important clear: He can be patient, but he does not approve of injustice. Jehovah sees what others do not, and although at times it may seem that the wicked get away with it, the time comes when he acts and sets things right. This gives us peace of mind, because it reminds us that Jehovah loves justice and does not abandon those who want to do what is right.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah is a just and all-knowing God. He sees all injustices, even though it may seem that for a time the wicked get away with it. Jehovah does not tolerate wickedness or violence, and he always acts to uphold justice and clear his name.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This account teaches us that Jehovah is truly patient, but also a God of justice. For a long time, Jezebel persisted in doing harm, and it may have seemed that nothing was happening. However, Jehovah was watching everything and, at the same time, gave her the opportunity to change. When she decided to continue without repenting, Jehovah acted decisively.

This account helps us understand something fundamental: Jehovah's patience is not weakness or indifference, but mercy and self-control. He does not act impulsively; he waits for the right moment and then brings about complete justice.

This account teaches us that when we see injustice today, we should not despair or think that Jehovah is not watching. On the contrary, we can remain calm and peaceful, remembering that Jehovah loves what is right, puts limits on wickedness, and, in his own time, acts to protect justice.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We can learn that Jehovah sees everything and that no bad deed goes unnoticed, and that injustice and abuse of power have consequences.

We can learn that obeying Jehovah's laws, as Naboth did, is the right thing to do, even if it involves sacrifices, and that Jehovah punishes wickedness at the right time, so we should not despair if justice seems to be delayed.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that power and influence can become dangerous when not accompanied by humility. Jezebel used her position to manipulate, pressure, and cause harm, and her example serves as a warning. We should never use personal advantages to harm others or to impose our will.

We learn that we should not justify wrongdoing simply because it is possible or because others approve. Jehovah sees what is happening behind the scenes, even when it seems that no one will notice. Another practical lesson is to guard our hearts against greed and pride, because when these desires control us, we can end up doing things we could never imagine.

This account encourages us to choose honesty even when it is difficult, to respect what is right, and to avoid participating in gossip, accusations, or decisions that harm an innocent person. And if we ever suffer injustice, we remember something that gives us great peace: Jehovah is not indifferent; he acts in his own time and values ​​those who remain upright.