Watchtower Study, Let Us Improve Our “Teaching Art” in the Preaching Work, Week of May 4-10, 2026, Comments and Answers.

Watchtower Study, Let Us Improve Our “Teaching Art” in the Preaching Work, May 4-10, 2026, Comments and Responses.

“Preach the word [...] with much patience and skill in teaching” (2 TIM. 4:2).

1. What should we cultivate, and why? (2 Timothy 4:2; see also the picture).

We must cultivate the “art of teaching” to communicate the message in a way that touches people’s hearts, just as Paul and Barnabas did. In this way, we can help more people become believers.

Why? Because Jesus commanded all Christians to make disciples and teach them to obey everything he has commanded. Although Jehovah attracts people with the right attitude and angels help us find them, we must do our part.

ILLUSTRATION

Paul is in a synagogue speaking with conviction, and those present are listening attentively. On one side is Barnabas, who watches with a smile as Paul teaches.

We can improve our “art of teaching” by looking at the examples of Jesus and his disciples, such as Paul and Barnabas. (See paragraph 1.)

2. Why do some feel they cannot improve as teachers?

Some feel they cannot improve as teachers because they believe they lack sufficient preparation or skill, or that they don't possess the "gift" of teaching. Others become discouraged when they compare their results with those of others and believe they are not doing well.

However, it is also important to note that not everyone wants to listen and that the results do not depend solely on our efforts. Although, as we have seen, Jehovah and the angels help us to find sincere people, we want to make an effort to present the message in the most appealing way possible.

TO BE INTERESTED IN PEOPLE

3. Why was Jesus able to touch people's hearts?

Jesus could touch people's hearts because, as John 2:25 says, he was able to perceive the thoughts and motives of others. Because he understood their needs, he could reach their hearts. Jesus spoke about things that were important to people; that's why so many were drawn to him.

4. How do we show that we care about people? (See also the images).

We show that we care about people by striving to understand their concerns. Let us remember that in this world ruled by Satan, everyone suffers for one reason or another. If we keep this in mind, we can empathize with the people to whom we preach. We can also try to imagine what life is like for those who live without the hope the Bible offers in these “critical times.”

ILLUSTRATION

Images of a sister preparing for ministry by meditating on the circumstances of the people in her territory: 1. A mother wraps her arms around her young child to protect him while a man threatens them with his fist raised. 2. A young woman smoking a cigarette. 3. An elderly woman talking to her doctor, who gives her bad news about her health.

Let us try to understand the concerns of the people we teach and learn to take an interest in them. (See paragraph 4.)

5. In what way was Jesus different from the Pharisees? (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus differed from the Pharisees in that he did not consider himself superior to others. They believed themselves superior and treated people with contempt. In contrast, Jesus was kind and respectful to others, and because he was “gentle and humble in heart,” this contributed to his being an excellent teacher.

6. What will help us show kindness and respect towards those who reject or oppose the message?

It will help us to follow Jesus’ counsel at Luke 6:27, 28, which says: “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who insult you.” It will also help us to consider that some people treat us badly because they are stressed due to family problems or some situation that has nothing to do with us, or perhaps we simply arrive at a bad time.

Striving to understand people and their needs will help us not to be easily offended and we can be better teachers.

FOCUSING ATTENTION ON THE WORD OF GOD

7. How did Jesus demonstrate that he based his teachings on the Word of God? (John 7:14-16).

Jesus demonstrated that he based his teachings on the Word of God because he did not rely on his own ideas or human opinions, but repeatedly quoted Scripture. Furthermore, he used the Word of God to teach clearly and authoritatively what his Father's will was.

Instead of trying to impress his listeners with the knowledge he had from living in heaven or making them feel like they knew nothing, he focused on using God's Word to teach them his Father's will.

8. How did the apostle Peter follow Jesus' example?

The apostle Peter followed Jesus' example by using God's Word in his teaching, as he did at Pentecost in 33 AD. Although he was not highly educated, he touched people's hearts by using Scripture to explain the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. As a result, those who readily accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 people joined the disciples.

9. Why should we use the Bible when teaching?

We must use the Bible when teaching because there is no better tool than God's Word to reach people's hearts. Furthermore, the Bible far surpasses human wisdom; it is inspired by God and teaches us what we must do to please the Creator and have full and happy lives. We want to preach "the word," not our own ideas, and by using the Bible in our teaching, we are letting Jehovah speak.

10. How can we focus the student's attention on the Bible?

We can focus the student's attention on the Bible by preparing well and highlighting its teachings. During class, it's important to read key texts with them and help them reflect on what they learn, giving them time to grasp the meaning and even reread them if necessary.

We must also ensure that he understands that the videos and images are only aids, and that the Bible is the primary source. This way, the student will be clear that he is learning from God's Word, and not from the resources provided.

11, 12. (a) How can we be patient with our student? (Acts 17:1-4; see also the picture.)

We can be patient with our student by remembering that not everyone progresses at the same pace and by applying the counsel to preach with great patience. This also involves giving him enough time to respond, avoiding talking too much, and listening attentively to understand his way of thinking. Furthermore, we can reason with him using Scripture as often as necessary, just as Paul did.

11, 12. b) What should we remember about some people, and how can we help them?

We must remember that some people have never had contact with the Bible or know very little about it, so they may need more time to understand. To help them, we can bring them a Bible, show them sections like the "Introduction to the Word of God," and use clear verses that allow them to see their practical value. In this way, little by little, they will be able to better understand and appreciate what the Bible teaches.

ILLUSTRATION

The sister in the previous picture is giving a Bible lesson to the young woman who was smoking. They are sitting on an outdoor bench, and the sister is listening very attentively to the woman.

Good teachers speak little and listen much. (See paragraphs 11 and 12).

FOCUS ON JEHOVAH

13. When we are teaching, on whom do we want to focus attention? Give an example.

When we are teaching, we want to focus attention on Jehovah, helping people to know him and draw close to him.

An example is that of the lighting technician in a play: he doesn't focus on himself, but directs the lights toward the main characters. Similarly, we direct attention to Jehovah, not to ourselves.

14. How can we help the student cultivate a desire to make Jehovah happy?

We can help the student cultivate a desire to please Jehovah by motivating him to think about Him. It is not about him following a set of rules, but about him making changes because he wants to please God.

To achieve this, we can ask him questions that will help him reflect, such as why Jehovah disapproves of a certain practice or how that demonstrates his love. The more he thinks about Jehovah and gets to know him better, the more he will appreciate how wonderful Jehovah is and feel a desire to please him.

LET'S CONTINUE IMPROVING OUR ART OF TEACHING

15. What can we do to continue improving our art of teaching?

We can continue to improve our teaching skills by praying to Jehovah for help and by paying attention to the training we receive and putting it into practice. It is also helpful to ask an experienced brother or sister to accompany us and give us suggestions for improvement.

Furthermore, we should empathize with the student, helping him appreciate the benefits of what he is learning and Jehovah’s promises. In this way, we help him draw closer to God and become his friend.

16. Why is it good that we continue to improve our art of teaching?

It is good that we continue to improve our teaching skills because there will be a great need for teaching in the new world. Furthermore, teaching about Jehovah is one of the things that brings us the most joy. For this reason, we continue to show interest in people, focusing on God's Word and keeping Jehovah in mind.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How do we show that we care about people?

We show that we care about people by trying to understand their concerns and circumstances. This involves putting ourselves in their shoes, recognizing that everyone suffers in some way, and developing empathy for them.

Also, following Jesus' example, we treat them with kindness and respect, without considering ourselves superior. Even when someone rejects the message or objects, we show interest by being patient, responding kindly, and using pleasant words.

Why is it important to focus on God's Word when teaching?

It is important to focus on God's Word when teaching because it is the best tool for reaching people's hearts. We do not preach our own ideas, but what Jehovah teaches through the Bible.

Furthermore, the Bible is superior to human wisdom, since it is inspired by God and gives us knowledge, discernment, and guidance to please him and live a full life. When we teach using the Bible, we allow Jehovah to speak, not human ideas.

How can we focus on Jehovah when we teach?

We can focus on Jehovah by teaching and helping people to know him and draw closer to him, without focusing on ourselves. We should act like the lighting director in a play, directing attention to the main characters—in this case, Jehovah.