Congregational Book Study, Week of March 9-15, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Introduction to Section 11 and Lessons 68 and 69, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, March 9-15, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Introduction to Section 11 and Lessons 68 and 69, Answers.

Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb Introduction to section 11 and lessons 68, 69.

Introduction to section 11

In this section we will analyze the accounts in the Christian Greek Scriptures. We will see how Jesus, who was chosen by Jehovah to be King of the Kingdom of the heavens and the Savior of mankind, was born into a humble family living in a village and working with his father, who was a carpenter.

These accounts will help us understand how Jehovah carefully chose Jesus’ family to grow up in a favorable environment. We will also see how Jehovah protected Jesus when Herod wanted to kill him, and how nothing can prevent Jehovah’s purpose from being fulfilled. In addition, we will see how Jehovah chose John to prepare the way for Jesus.

Finally, we will learn that Jesus, from a young age, loved Jehovah's wisdom and trusted in God's guidance rather than his own way of thinking.

Analysis of Lesson 68: Elizabeth has a baby

What did the angel Gabriel say to Zechariah?

The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and told him not to be afraid, because he brought good news from Jehovah: his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son and his name would be John. He also explained that Jehovah had chosen John for a special work.

Zechariah questioned how what he was being told could be true, since he and his wife were too old to have a child. Gabriel replied that Jehovah had sent him to give him this good news. But, because he had not believed him, he could not speak until the child was born.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would have a son, even though they were both very old. He also told him that the boy would be named John and that God had chosen him to fulfill a special mission. Furthermore, because Zechariah doubted the message, the angel explained that he could not speak until the child was born and God's promise was fulfilled.

Luke 1:13 mentions that the angel told Zechariah that his prayer had been heard and that Elizabeth would have a son named John. This shows that God was watching over them and that, although time had passed, He had not forgotten His faithful servants.

In Luke 1:18-19, we see that Zechariah expressed doubt because of his and his wife's advanced age. Gabriel responded by reminding him that he had been sent directly by God to deliver this news, demonstrating that the message had full divine authority.

Luke 1:20 explains that Zechariah would be unable to speak until the promise was fulfilled. This served as a clear sign that the message came from God and also as a lesson on the importance of fully trusting what God says.

This entire event demonstrates that God can make possible what seems impossible to humans. John's birth, under such unusual circumstances, set the stage for very important events related to the arrival of the Messiah.

What special job would Juan do?

John's special work would be to be a prophet who would prepare the way for the Messiah, whom Jehovah promised Abraham he would send to save mankind. John would help people prepare for the Messiah's arrival by announcing his coming and bringing them God's message so they would draw closer to him again.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

John's mission would be to serve as a prophet and prepare people for the arrival of the Messiah. His work would consist of helping people change their way of thinking and acting, encouraging them to draw closer to God so that they would be ready when the promised Savior appeared.

In Luke 1:76 it says that John would be called “a prophet of the Most High” and that he would go before them to prepare the way. This indicates that his role would be very important, as he would help people recognize the significance of the events that were to come.

The prophecy at Isaiah 40:3 speaks of a voice preparing the way for Jehovah. John fulfilled that prophecy by preaching and motivating people to repent and change their ways, preparing them to receive the Messiah.

Malachi 3:1 mentions that God would send a messenger to prepare the way before him. John fulfilled that role by announcing that someone far more important than him would soon appear: the Messiah.

Later, Jesus himself emphasized the importance of John. In Matthew 11:11-14, it is shown that John played a prominent role among the prophets because he helped direct people's attention to the fulfillment of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah always keeps his promises. Although many years had passed since he promised to send the Messiah, Jehovah remained steadfast in his purpose and prepared the way for his arrival through John.

We also see that Jehovah has the power to accomplish things that seem impossible to humans, such as allowing Elizabeth to have a child despite her age. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Jehovah directs events and chooses the right people to fulfill his purpose.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We learn that we must trust fully in what Jehovah says, even if something seems hard to believe from a human standpoint. We also see the importance of obeying and respecting Jehovah’s guidance, just as Zechariah and Elizabeth did when they named the child the name God had indicated. Finally, this account encourages us to have faith that Jehovah will fulfill all his promises at his own pace.

Analysis of Lesson 69: The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary

What did the angel Gabriel tell Mary about the son she was going to have?

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, “Good morning, Mary, Jehovah has greatly favored you.” Mary did not understand what Gabriel said, so he explained that she would become pregnant and have a son whom she should name Jesus, and that he would be king of a Kingdom that would last forever.

Furthermore, when Mary asked how she could have a child since she was a virgin, Gabriel replied that nothing is impossible for Jehovah and that the holy spirit would come upon her, and she would have a child. Then Mary said: “I am Jehovah’s servant. Let what you have said happen to me.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son named Jesus. He explained that this child would have a very important mission, for he would be king and his kingdom would last forever. He also assured her that this birth would be possible thanks to the power of God, even though she was not yet married.

In Luke 1:30-31, the angel explains to Mary that she has received God's favor and that she will have a son whom she should name Jesus. This shows that Jesus' birth was not an ordinary event, but part of God's purpose already underway.

Luke 1:32-33 mentions that this child would be great and that his kingdom would have no end. This connects with the ancient promises that the Messiah would reign permanently and bring lasting blessings.

The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 foretold that a young woman would give birth to a special son. The announcement Mary received showed that this prophecy was beginning to be fulfilled.

Daniel 2:44 speaks of a kingdom that God would establish and that would never be destroyed. The angel's message indicated that Jesus would be the King of that Kingdom, bringing about a perfect and eternal reign.

How did Elisabet and Maria feel about everything that had happened to them?

Elizabeth and Mary felt very happy, blessed, and grateful to Jehovah for all that had happened to them. Elizabeth rejoiced greatly at the birth of her son, and when Mary visited her, she said it was an honor to receive the mother of her Lord into her home. For her part, Mary praised Jehovah with all her heart and acknowledged that she was Jehovah's slave, showing humility and gratitude for the privilege she had received.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Elizabeth and Mary felt very happy and grateful to God for what was happening. They recognized that Jehovah had blessed them and that they were participating in something very important within his purpose.

Luke 1:41-42 explains that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and expressed great joy upon seeing Mary. She recognized that Mary had been specially blessed by being chosen to bear the future Savior.

In Luke 1:43, Elizabeth showed humility by saying that it was an honor to be visited by the mother of her Lord. Her words reflect respect and recognition for the role Mary would play in fulfilling God's purpose.

In Luke 1:46-47, Mary responded with words of praise to God. This shows that she felt deeply grateful and recognized that everything that was happening was due to God's power and goodness.

It is also emphasized that this event occurred at God's appointed time. Galatians 4:4 mentions that God sent his Son at the right moment, demonstrating that everything Mary and Elizabeth were experiencing was part of a carefully prepared divine plan.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that nothing is impossible for Jehovah and that he fulfills his purposes exactly as he has promised. We also see that Jehovah guides and protects those who share in his purpose, as he did with Mary and Joseph. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Jehovah favors and blesses humble people who are willing to do his will.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We learn the importance of trusting in Jehovah and humbly accepting his will, just as Mary did when she said: “I am Jehovah’s slave.” We also see the value of praising and thanking Jehovah for his blessings. On the other hand, Joseph’s example teaches us that we should trust in Jehovah’s guidance and do what is right, even when a situation seems difficult or confusing.