Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“You are very valuable” (DAN. 9:23).
1, 2. What will help us to be convinced that we are very valuable to Jehovah?
Jehovah considers all his servants very precious. Even so, some of them have low self-esteem. Why? Perhaps it is because someone has treated them with contempt and made them feel worthless. If that is your case, what will help you convince yourself that you are very precious to Jehovah?
2 One thing you can do is analyze Bible accounts that show how Jehovah wants us to treat one another. His Son, Jesus, treated people with dignity and respect. By doing so, he showed that both he and his Father highly value people who are humble and feel unimportant. (John 5:19; Heb. 1:3). In this article, we will analyze two main ideas: 1) how Jesus helped people to see that they are valuable to Jehovah and 2) what you can do to convince yourself that you are too (Haggai 2:7).
HOW JESUS HELPED PEOPLE SEE THEIR VALUABLENESS
3. How did Jesus treat the people from Galilee who came to him?
3 During Jesus' third preaching tour of Galilee, many people repeatedly came to him for teaching and healing. Jesus saw that “they were mistreated and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36; see study notes.) Religious leaders considered them too ignorant and insignificant, even calling them “accursed people” (John 7:47-49; study note. But Jesus treated them with dignity, for he dedicated time to teaching and healing them. (Matt. 9:35). Furthermore, to help more people, he empowered his apostles to preach and gave them authority to heal all kinds of diseases. (Matt. 10:5-8).
4. What do we learn from the way Jesus treated humble people?
By treating with kindness and respect those whom the world usually despises, Jesus showed that both he and his Father consider them valuable. So if you serve Jehovah but feel you are not worth much, remember how Jesus treated those who were humble and wanted to learn from him. That will help you see how much Jehovah cares about you.
5. What was wrong with the woman Jesus met in Galilee?
Jesus not only taught and helped groups in general, but also individual people. For example, while preaching in Galilee, he encountered a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years (Mark 5:25). Since this medical condition made her ceremonially unclean, anyone who touched her would become unclean, so she likely spent almost no time with other people. Furthermore, he could not worship Jehovah with the rest of the people in the synagogue or at the festivals (Lev. 15:19, 25). Can we imagine how much he suffered not only physically, but also emotionally? (Mark 5:26).
6. How was the woman who was suffering from hemorrhages cured?
6 This poor woman wanted Jesus to heal her, but she didn't ask him directly. Why not? Perhaps she was very ashamed of her illness. Or maybe she was afraid that Jesus would reprimand her for going among the people while unclean. So she simply touched his clothes, for she had very strong faith that in this way he would be healed (Mark 5:27, 28). And she was right: his illness disappeared! Then Jesus asked who had touched him, and she confessed everything. How did he react?
7. How did Jesus treat that woman? (Mark 5:34).
7 Jesus noticed that the woman was “trembling with fear,” so he spoke to her with great affection, consideration, and respect (Mark 5:33). He even called her “daughter,” which was not merely a polite expression of closeness and tenderness. (Read Mark 5:34.) The study note for this word explains: “This is the only recorded instance in which Jesus addresses a woman as ‘daughter.’ Perhaps he did so because the situation was delicate and she was ‘trembling.’” What a relief for her! Can you imagine if Jesus hadn’t spoken to her so kindly? She might have been healed of her illness, but perhaps she would have been left with enormous feelings of guilt. Therefore, instead of just restoring her health, Jesus also helped her to see this reality: that her Father in heaven loved her very much.
8. What difficulties did a sister from Brazil face?
8 Today, some of God’s servants also suffer from health problems that can leave them depressed and lacking in self-esteem. Let us consider the case of a regular pioneer in Brazil named Renata. Due to a genetic defect, she was born without legs and without her left hand. She says: “At school I was constantly bullied and mocked with cruel nicknames. Even my own family members sometimes treated me with prejudice.”
9. What helped Renata feel very valuable?
9. What help did Renata receive? When she became one of Jehovah's Witnesses, the brothers in her congregation lovingly encouraged her and helped her to see herself as Jehovah sees her. She says, “If I had to write a list of the names of everyone who has helped me, I would never finish! I thank God from the bottom of my heart for giving me this wonderful spiritual family.” Thanks to everything they did for her, Renata understood that in Jehovah's eyes she is very valuable.
10. What terrible situation was Mary Magdalene in? (See also the images).
10 Let's talk about another person Jesus helped individually: Mary Magdalene. She was possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2). They probably made her behave in strange ways, which is why other people surely avoided her. During that dark period of her life, she must have felt marginalized, helpless, and frightened. It seems that Jesus freed her from those demons, and she began to follow him in faith. In this way, he helped her see her immense value in God's eyes. But this wasn't all he did for her.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Jesus notices Mary Magdalene, who is weeping on her knees in a dark alley. 2. Mary Magdalene happily accompanies Jesus and the other disciples.
In what ways did Jesus help Mary Magdalene see how much she was valued in God's eyes? (See paragraphs 10 and 11.)
11. How did Jesus make it clear to Mary Magdalene how much Jehovah appreciated her? (See also the pictures.)
11 Jesus invited Mary Magdalene to accompany him on his preaching tours. Thanks to this, she had the privilege of hearing what he was teaching. Furthermore, Jesus appeared to her on the day he rose from the dead; in fact, she was one of the first people he spoke to. He even instructed her to go and tell the apostles that he had risen. In these ways, he made it clear to her how much Jehovah appreciated her (John 20:11-18).
12. Why did Lydia feel rejected?
12 Like Mary Magdalene, many people today suffer rejection from others. A woman from Spain named Lidia recounts that when her mother was pregnant with her, she considered having an abortion. Although she ultimately decided against it, Lidia remembers that from a very young age her mother neglected her and said very cruel things to her. And she adds: “All I wanted in life was for others to accept and love me, but I was afraid I wouldn’t get it because my mother had convinced me that I was a bad person and didn’t deserve it.”
13. What helped Lydia to understand how valuable she is in Jehovah’s eyes?
13 But things changed when Lidia learned the truth. Prayer, Bible reading, and the love of her brothers helped her to understand the great value she has in Jehovah's eyes. She says: “My husband tells me very often how much he loves me and is always reminding me of my good qualities. I also have very dear friends who have done the same.” Can you think of someone who needs help to understand how much they are worth to Jehovah? What can you do for them?
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SEE YOURSELF AS JEHOVAH SEES YOU
14. What does 1 Samuel 16:7 teach us about Jehovah’s viewpoint? (See also the box “Why Does Jehovah Value His Servants So Much?”)
14 Remember that Jehovah's viewpoint is different from that of people in the world. (Read 1 Samuel 16:7). Unlike people, he does not measure your worth by your physical appearance, social standing, or level of education (Isa. 55:8, 9). So, when thinking about your worth, consider the same things that Jehovah does. What will help you? Read Bible accounts of people who sometimes had low self-esteem, such as Elijah, Naomi, and Hannah, and pay attention to how Jehovah showed that he valued them. You can also write down times in your life when you have seen that Jehovah loves and appreciates you deeply. Another suggestion is to look for information about self-esteem in our publications.
15. Why did Jehovah tell Daniel, “You are very valuable”? (Daniel 9:23).
15 Do not forget that Jehovah considers you very valuable because of your faithfulness. When the prophet Daniel was nearly 100 years old, there was a time when he felt “very worn out” and discouraged (Dan. 9:20, 21). What did Jehovah do to encourage him? He sent the angel Gabriel to inform him that his prayers had been heard and to tell him: “You are very precious” (read Daniel 9:23). Why did Jehovah value him so highly? Because of his many qualities, such as his love for justice and his faithfulness (Ezek. 14:14). God had this account written in His Word to comfort us. (Rom. 15:4). Just as he did with Daniel, Jehovah hears your prayers and values you because you love what is right and serve him faithfully. (Mic. 6:8, note; Heb. 6:10).
16. What can help you to see Jehovah as a loving father?
16 Try to see Jehovah as a loving father. He doesn't focus on finding fault with you, but rather wants to help you (Psalm 130:3; Matthew 7:11; Luke 12:6, 7). Meditating on this has helped many people struggling with low self-esteem to feel better. For example, consider the case of Eliana, a sister in Spain who, after enduring years of verbal abuse from her husband, came to feel worthless and unloved. She explains: “Whenever feelings of worthlessness overwhelm me, I try to imagine Jehovah carrying me in his arms and showering me with his love and protection.” (Psalm 28:9) And Lauren, a sister in South Africa, reminds herself: “If Jehovah drew me to himself with cords of love, has helped me to remain close to him all these years, and has even used me to teach others, that certainly means that he considers me useful and valuable.” (Hosea 11:4)
17. What can convince you that you have Jehovah’s approval? (Psalm 5:12; see also the picture.)
17 Convince yourself that you have Jehovah's approval (Read Psalm 5:12.) David said that Jehovah’s approval is like “a great shield” protecting the righteous. Being convinced that you have God's favor and support will protect you when doubts about your worth as a person assail you. And how can you tell if Jehovah is pleased with you? As we have seen, in His Word He confirms His love for you. Furthermore, He uses elders, friends, and other brothers and sisters to remind you how precious you are to Him. So, how should you react to words of encouragement?
ILLUSTRATION
Two sisters leave the Kingdom Hall smiling to go preaching together; one has her arm around the other's shoulder.
Knowing that we have Jehovah’s approval helps us to fight against low self-esteem. (See paragraph 17.)
18. Why should you accept the words of encouragement that are given to you?
18 If people who know and love you tell you positive things about yourself, don't reject them thinking they are not true. Keep in mind that Jehovah may be using those people to confirm that you have his approval. Eliana, mentioned earlier, says: “Although it’s very difficult for me, little by little I’m learning to believe the words of encouragement I receive, because I know that Jehovah wants me to accept them.” The elders have also lovingly helped her, and now she is a pioneer and serves as a remote volunteer for Bethel.
19. Why can you be sure that you are of great value to Jehovah?
19 Jesus tenderly taught us how much our heavenly Father cares for us (Luke 12:24). So you can be sure that you are of great value to Jehovah. Never forget it! Also, do everything you can to help others see how valuable they are in God's eyes.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How did Jesus help people see that they were valuable in God's eyes?
Jesus saw that many people “were mistreated and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd.” Although the religious leaders considered them too ignorant and insignificant, even calling them “cursed people,” Jesus treated them with dignity, taking the time to teach and heal them. By treating with kindness and respect those whom the world often despises, Jesus showed that both he and his Father value them.
How did Jesus help the woman who was suffering from hemorrhages?
This poor woman wanted Jesus to heal her, but she didn't ask him directly. So she simply touched his clothes, for she had a very strong faith that she would be healed that way. And so it was: her illness disappeared! Then Jesus asked who had touched him, and she confessed everything.
Jesus noticed that the woman was “trembling with fear,” so he spoke to her with great affection, consideration, and respect. He even called her “daughter,” which wasn't just a polite expression, but a sign of closeness and tenderness. Therefore, instead of simply restoring her health, Jesus also helped her understand this truth: that her Father in heaven loved her very much.
What can we do to see ourselves as Jehovah sees us?
We must remember that Jehovah's viewpoint is different from that of people in the world. Unlike people, he does not measure our worth by our physical appearance, social standing, or level of education.
Let us not forget that Jehovah values us highly because of our faithfulness. Just as he did with Daniel, Jehovah listens to our prayers and values us because we love what is right and serve him faithfully.
Let us try to see Jehovah as a Father who loves us. He does not look for faults in us, but wants to help us.
We must convince ourselves that we have Jehovah's approval. Being convinced that we have God's favor and support will protect us when doubts about our worth as individuals assail us.
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