Fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy

AFTER Jesus learns that the Pharisees and party followers of Herod plan to kill him, he and his disciples withdraw to the Sea of Galilee. Here great crowds from all over Palestine, and even from outside its borders flock to him. He cures many, with the result that all those with grievous diseases press forward to touch him.

Because the crowds are so large, Jesus tells his disciples to have a boat continually at his service. By pulling away from shore, he can keep the crowds from pressing in upon him. He can teach them from the boat or travel to another area along the shore to help people there.

The disciple Matthew notes that Jesus' activity fulfilling "what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet." Then Matthew quotes the prophecy that Jesus fulfills: "Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom my soul approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. He will not wrangle nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the broad ways. No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering flaxen wick will he extinguish, until he sends out justice in success. Indeed, in his name nations will hope."

Jesus, of course, is the beloved servant of whom God approves. And Jesus makes clear what is true justice, which is being obscured by false religious traditions. Because of their unjust application of God's law, the Pharisees will not even come to a sick person's aid on the Sabbath! Making clear God's justice, Jesus relieves people of the burden of unjust traditions, and for this, the religious leaders try to kill him.

What does it mean that 'he will not wrangle, nor raise his voice so as to be heard in the broad ways?' when curing people,Jesus strictly charges them not to make him manifest.' He does not want to have noisy advertising of himself in the streets or to have distorted reports excitedly passed from mouth to mouth.

Also Jesus carries his comforting message to persons who are figuratively like a bruised reed, bent over and knocked underfoot. They are like a smoldering flaxen wick, whose last spark of life has nearly been smothered. Jesus does not crush the bruised reed or quench the flickering, smoking flax. But with tenderness and love, he skillfully lifts up the meek. Truly, Jesus is the one in whom the nations can hope! Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12; Isaiah 42:1-4.

Next time: Choosing His Apostles

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

What Is Lawful On The Sabbath?

IT IS on another Sabbath that Jesus visits a synagogue near the Sea of Galilee. Present is a man with a withered right hand. The scribes and the Pharisees are watching closely to see whether Jesus will heal him. Finally they ask: "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?"

The Jewish religious leaders believe that healing is lawful on the Sabbath only if life is in danger. They teach, for example, that on the Sabbath it is unlawful to set a bone or bandage a sprain. So the scribes and the Pharisees are questioning Jesus in an effort to get an accusation against him.

Jesus, however, knows their reasonings. At the same time, he realizes they have adopted an extreme, unscriptural view as to what constitutes a violation of the Sabbath-day requirement prohibiting work. Thus Jesus sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation by telling the man with the withered hand: "Get up and come to the center."

Now, turning to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus says: "Who will be the man among you that has one sheep and, if this falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not get hold of it and lift it out?" Since a sheep represents a financial investment, they would not leave it in the pit until the next day, perhaps to sicken and cause them loss. Besides, the Scriptures say: "The righteous one is caring fro the soul of his domestic animal."

Drawing a parallel, Jesus continues: "All considered, of how much more worth is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do a fine thing on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are unable to refute such logical, compassionate reasoning,and they remain silent.

With indignation, as well as grief at their obstinate stupidity, Jesus looks around. Then he says to the man: "Stretch out your hand." And he stretches it out and the hand is healed. Instead of being happy that the man's hand has been restored. the Pharisees go out and immediately conspire with the party followers of Herod to kill Jesus. This political party evidently includes members of the religious Sadducees. Ordinarily, this political party and the Pharisees are openly opposed to each other, but they are solidly united in their opposition to Jesus. Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11; Proverbs 12:10; Exodus 20:8-10.

Next time: Fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Plucking Grain On The Harvest

SOON Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem to return to Galilee. It is springtime, and in the fields there are ears of grain on the stalks. The disciples are hungry. So they pluck heads of grain to eat. But since it is a Sabbath, their actions do not go unobserved.

Religious leaders in Jerusalem had just sought to kill Jesus for alleged violations of the Sabbath. Now Pharisees bring an accusation. "Look! Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath," they charge.

The Pharisees claim that picking grain and rubbing it in the hands to eat is harvesting and threshing. But their strict interpretation of what constitutes work has made the Sabbath burdensome, whereas it was meant to be a joyous, spiritually up building time. So Jesus counters with Scriptural examples to show that Jehovah God never purpose such an unduly strict application of his Sabbath law.

Jesus says that when David and his men were hungry, they stopped at the tabernacle and ate the loaves of presentation. Those loaves had already been removed before Jehovah and replaced by fresh ones, and they were ordinarily reserved for the priests to eat. Yet, under the circumstances, David and his men were not condemned for eating them.

Providing another example, Jesus says: "Have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple treat the sabbath as not sacred and continue guiltless?" Yes, even on the Sabbath, the priests carry on butchering and other work at the temple in preparing animal sacrifices! "But I tell you," Jesus says, "that something greater than the temple is here."

Admonishing the Pharisees, Jesus continues: "If you had understood what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' you would not have condemned the guiltless ones." Then he concludes: "For Lord of the Sabbath is what the Son of man is." What does Jesus mean by that? Jesus is referring to his peaceful Kingdom rule for a thousand years.

For 6,000 years, now humankind has been suffering laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil, with violence and war being the order of the day. On the other hand, the great Sabbath rule of Christ will be a time of rest from all such suffering and oppression. Matthew 12:1-8; Leviticus 24:5-9; Samuel 21:1-6; Numbers 28:9; Hosea 6:6.

Next time: What Is Lawful On The Sabbath

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Answering His Accusers

WHEN the Jewish religious leaders accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, he answers: "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working."

Despite the claim of the Pharisees, Jesus' work is not of the type forbidden by the Sabbath law. His work of preaching and healing is an assignment from God, and in imitation of God's example, he keeps on doing it daily. However, his answer makes the Jews even angrier than they were before, and they seek to kill him. Why? It is because now they not only believe that Jesus is breaking the Sabbath but consider his claim of being God's Son to be blasphemy. However, Jesus is unafraid and answers them further regarding his favored relationship with God. "The Father has affection for the Son," he says, "and shows him all the things he himself does.

"Just as the Father raises the dead up," Jesus continues, "So the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to." Indeed, the Son is already raising the dead in a spiritual way! "He that hears my word and believes him that sent me," Jesus says, "has passed over from death to life." Yes, he continues: "The hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead, will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live."

Although there is no record that Jesus has yet literally raised anyone from the dead, he tells his accusers that such a literal resurrection of the dead will occur. "Do not marvel at this," he says, "because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."

Up to the this time, Jesus has evidently never publicly described his vital role in God's purpose in such a distinct and definite way. But Jesus' accusers have more than his own witness about these things. "You have dispatched men to John," Jesus reminds them, "and he has borne witness to the truth.

Just two years before, John the Baptizer told these Jewish religious leaders about the One coming after him. Reminding them of their regard for their now imprisoned John, Jesus says: "You for a short time were willing to rejoice greatly in his light." Jesus recalls this to their minds in hopes of helping, yes, saving them. Yet he does not depend on the witness of John.

"The works themselves that I am doing [including the miracle he just performed] bear witness about me and that the Father dispatched me." But besides that, Jesus continues: "The Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me." God bore witness about Jesus, for instance, at his baptism, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved."

Really, Jesus' accusers have no excuse for rejecting him. The very Scriptures they claim to be searching testify about him!" "If you believe Moses you would believe me," Jesus concludes, "for that one wrote about me. But if you do not believe the writings of that one, how will you believe my sayings?" John 5:17-47; 1:19-27; Matthew 3:17.

Next time: Plucking Grain On The Sabbath

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Doing Good Works On The Sabbath

IT IS the spring of 31 C.E. A few months have passed since Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in Samaria while en route from Judea to Galilee.

Now, after teaching extensively through-out Galilee, Jesus again leaves for Judea, where he preaches in the synagogues. Compared with the attention the Bible gives to his Galilean ministry, it tells little of Jesus' activity in Judea during this visit and during the months he spent here following the previous Passover. Evidently his ministry did not receive as favorable a response in Judea as it did in Galilee.

Soon Jesus is on his way to Judea's principal city, Jerusalem, for the Passover of 31 C.E. Here, near the city's Sheep Gate, is the pool called Bethzatha, where many sick, blind and lame come. They believe that people can be healed by getting into the waters of the pool when these are agitated.

It is the Sabbath, and Jesus sees a man at the pool who has been sick for 38 years. Being aware of the long duration of the man's sickness, Jesus asks: "Do you want to become sound in health?" He answers Jesus: "Sir, I do not have a man to put me into the pool when the water is disturbed; but while I am coming another steps down ahead of me."

Jesus says to him: "Get up, pick up your cot and walk." With that the man immediately becomes sound in body, picks up his cot, and begins to walk! But when the Jews see the man, they say: "It is Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry the cot." The man answers them: "The very one that made me sound in health said to me, 'Pick it up and walk!"

Who is the man that told you, 'Pick it up and walk?" They ask. Jesus had turned aside, because of the crowd, and the one who was healed did not know Jesus' name. Later, however, Jesus and the man meet in the temple, and the man learns who it is that healed him.

So the healed man finds the Jews to tell them that it is Jesus who had made him sound in health. On learning this, the Jews go to Jesus. For what reason? To learn by what means he is able to do these wonderful things? No, but to find fault with him because he is doing these good things on the Sabbath and they even begin persecuting him! Luke 4:44; John 5:1-16.

Next time: Answering His Accusers

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Questioned About Fasting

ALMOST a year has gone by since Jesus attended the Passover of 30 C.E. By now, John the Baptist has been imprisoned for several months. Although he wanted his disciples to become followers of Christ, not all of them have.

Now some of these disciples of the imprisoned John come to Jesus to ask: "Why is it that we and the Pharisees practice fasting but your disciples do not fast?" The Pharisees practice fasting twice a week as a ritual of their religion. And John's disciples perhaps follow a similar custom. It may also be that they are fasting to mourn. John's imprisonment and wonder why Jesus'' disciples do not join them in this expression of grief.

In answer Jesus explains: "The friends of the bridegroom have no reason to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, do they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and they will fast."

John's disciples should recall that John himself spoke of Jesus as the Bridegroom. So while Jesus is present, John would not consider it appropriate to fast, and neither do Jesus' disciples. Later, when Jesus dies, his disciples do mourn and fast. But when he is resurrected and ascends to heaven, they have no further cause for mournful fasting.

Next, Jesus give these illustrations: "Nobody sews a patch of unshrunk cloth upon an old outer garment; for its full strength would pull from the outer garment and the tear would become worse. Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins; but if they do, then the wine skins burst and the wine spills out and wine skins are ruined. But people put new wine into new wine skins." What do these illustrations have to do with fasting?

Jesus was helping the disciples of John the Baptist to appreciated that no one should expect his followers to conform to the old practices of Judaism, such as ritual fasting. he did not come to patch up and prolong old worn-out systems of worship that were ready to be discarded. Christianity would not be made to conform to the Judaism of the day with its traditions of men. No, it would not be as a new patch on an old garment or as new wine in an old wineskin. Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39; John 3:27-29.

Next time:Doing Good Works On The Sabbath

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

The Calling Of Matthew

SHORTLY after healing the paralytic, Jesus goes out from Capernaum to the Sea of Galilee. Again Crowds of people come to him, and he begins teaching them. As he walks on, he sees Matthew, who is also called Levi, sitting at the tax office. "Be my follower," is Jesus' invitation.

Likely, Matthew is already familiar with Jesus' teachings, even as were Peter, Andrew, James and John when they were called. And like them, Matthew immediately responds to the invitation. He gets up, leaves his responsibilities as a tax collector behind, and follows Jesus.

Later, perhaps to celebrate the receiving of his call, Matthew holds a big reception feast in his house. In addition to Jesus and his disciples, former associates of Matthew are present. These man are generally despised by their fellow Jews because they collect taxes for the hated Roman authorities. Moreover, they often dishonestly exact more money from the people than the regular tax rate.

Observing Jesus at the feast with such persons, the Pharisees ask his disciples: "Why is it that your teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?" Overhearing the question, Jesus answers the Pharisees: "Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. Go, then, and learn what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came to call not righteous people, but sinner."

Apparently, Matthew has invited these tax collectors to his home so that they can listen to Jesus and receive spiritual healing. So Jesus associates with them to help them attain a healthy relationship with God. Jesus does not despise such ones, as do the self-righteous Pharisees. Rather, moved with compassion he, in effect, serves as a spiritual physician to them.

Thus Jesus' exercise of mercy toward sinners is not a condoning of their sins, but an expression of the same tender feelings he manifested toward the physically ill,. Recall, for example, when he compassionately reached out and touched the leper, saying: "I want to. Be made clean." May we likewise show mercy by helping persons in need, especially assisting them in a spiritual way. Matthew 8:3; 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17. Luke 5:27-32.

Next time:Questioned About Fasting

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Back Home In Capernaum

BY NOW Jesus' fame has spread far and wide, and many people travel to the out-of-the-way places where he is staying. After some days, however, he returns to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. Quickly the news spread through the city that he is back home, and many come to the house where he is. Pharisees and Law teachers come from as far away as Jerusalem.

The crowd is so great that they jam the doorway, and there is no room for anyone else to get inside. The stage is set for a truly remarkable event. What occurs on this occasion is of vital importance, for it helps us to appreciate that Jesus has the power to remove the cause of human suffering and restore health to all whom he chooses.

While Jesus is teaching the crowd, four men bring to the house a paralyzed man on a cot. They want Jesus to heal their friend, but because of the crowd, they cannot get inside. How disappointing ! Yet they do not give up. They climb up on the flat roof, make a hole in it, and lower the cot with the paralyzed man on it down next to Jesus.

Is Jesus angry because of the interruption? Not at all! Rather, he is deeply impressed by their faith. he says to the paralytic: "Your sins are forgiven." But can Jesus actually forgive sins? The scribes and Pharisees do not think so. They reason in their hearts: "Who is this man talking in this manner? He is blaspheming. Who can forgive sins except one, God?"

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus says to them: "Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'get up and pick up your cot and walk?"

Then Jesus allows the crowd, including his critics, to see a remarkable demonstration that will reveal he has authority to forgive sins on earth and that he is indeed the greatest man who ever lived. He turns to the paralytic and commands: "Get up, pick up your cot, and go to your home." And he immediately does, walking out with his cot in front of all of them! In amazement the people glorify God and exclaim: "We never saw the like of it!"

Did you notice that Jesus mentions sins in connection with sickness and that forgiveness of sins is related to the gaining of physical health? The Bible explains that our first parent, Adam, sinned and that all of us have inherited the consequences of that sin, namely, sickness and death. But under the rule of God's Kingdom, Jesus will forgive the sins of all who love God, and serve Him, and then all sickness will be removed. How fine will that be! Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; Matthew 9:1-8; Romans 5:12, 17-19.

Next time: The Calling Of Matthew

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Compassion For A Leper

AS JESUS and his four disciples visit the cities of Galilee, news about the wonderful things he is doing spreads throughout the district. Word of his deeds reaches one city where there is a man sick with leprosy. The physician Luke describes him as being "full of leprosy." In its advanced stages, this dreadful disease slowly disfigures various parts of the body. So this leper is in a pitiful condition.

When Jesus arrives in the city, the leper approaches him. According to God's Law, a leper is to call out in warning, "Unclean, unclean! to protect others from coming too close and risking infection. The leper now falls upon his face and begs Jesus: "Lord,if you just want to, you can make me clean."

What faith the man has in Jesus! Yet, how pitiful his disease must make him appear! What will Jesus do? What would you do? Moved with compassion, Jesus stretches out his hand and immediately the leprosy vanishes from him.

Would you like someone as compassionate as this for your king? The way Jesus treats this leper gives us confidence that during His Kingdom rule, the Bible prophecy will be fulfilled: "He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save." Yes, Jesus will then fulfill his heart's desire to help all afflicted ones.

Even prior to the healing of the leper, Jesus' ministry has been creating excitement among the people. In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus now orders the healed man: "See that you tell nobody a thing." He then instructs him: "Go show yourself to the priest and offer in behalf of your cleansing the things Moses directed, for a witness to them."

But the man is so happy that he cannot keep the miracle to himself. He goes off and begins spreading the news everywhere, apparently causing such interest and curiosity among the people that Jesus cannot openly go into a city. Thus, Jesus stays in lonely places where nobody lives, and people from all over come to listen to him and to be cured of their sicknesses. Luke 5:12-16; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:2-4; Leviticus 13:45; 14:10, 13; Psalm 72:13; Isaiah 42:1, 2.

Next time: Back Home In Capernaum

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Why Jesus Came To Earth

JESUS' day in Capernaum with his four disciples has been a busy one, concluding with the people of Capernaum bringing him all their sick ones to be cured during the evening. There has been no time for privacy.

Now it is early the following morning. While it is still dark, Jesus gets up and goes outside by himself. He travels to a lonely place where he can pray to his Father in private. But Jesus' privacy is short-lived because when Peter and others realize that he is missing, they go out searching for him. When they find Jesus, Peter says: "All are looking for you." The people of Capernaum want Jesus to stay with them. They truly appreciate what he has done for them! But did Jesus come to earth primarily to perform miraculous healings? What does he say about this?

According to one Bible account, Jesus answers his disciples: "Let us go somewhere else, into the village towns nearby, that I may preach there also, for it is for this purpose I have gone out." Even though the people urge Jesus to stay, he tells them: "Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth."

Yes, Jesus came to earth particularly to preach about God's Kingdom, which will vindicate his Father's name and permanently solve all human ills. However, to give evidence that he is seen by God, Jesus performs miraculous healings. In the same way Moses, centuries before, performed miracles to establish his credentials as God's servant.

Now when Jesus leaves Capernaum to preach in other cities, his four disciples go with him. These four are Peter and his brother Andrew, and John and his brother James. You will recall that just the week before, they had been invited to be Jesus' first traveling coworkers.

Jesus' preaching tour of Galilee with his four disciples is wonderful success! In fact, the report about his activities spreads even into all Syria. Great crowds from Galilee, Judea and across the Jordan River follow Jesus and his disciples. Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42, 43; Matthew 4:23-25; Exodus 4:1-9, 30, 31.

Next time: Compassion For A Leper

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

More Miracles In Capernaum

THE Sabbath after Jesus called his first four disciples-Peter, Andrew, James and John-they all go to a local synagogue in Capernaum. There Jesus begins to teach, and the people are astounded because he teaches them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

On this Sabbath a demonized man is present. After awhile, he shouts with a loud voice: "What have I to do with you, Jesus you Nazarene? Did you come to destroy us? I know exactly who you are, the Holy One of God."

The demon controlling the man is actually one of Satan's angels. Rebuking the demon, Jesus says: " Be silent, and come on out of him!" Well, the demon throws the man into a convulsion and yells at the top of his voice. But it comes out of the man without hurting him. Everyone is simply astonished! "What is this?" They ask. "He authoritatively orders even the unclean spirits and they obey him." The news about this spreads throughout the surrounding area.

Leaving the synagogue, Jesus and his disciples go to the home of Simon, or Peter. There Peter's mother-in-law is very sick with a high fever. 'Please help her,' they beg. So Jesus goes over, takes her by the hand, and raises her up. Right away she is cured and begins to prepare a meal for them!

Later, when the sun has set, people from all over start coming to Peter's house with their sick ones. Soon the whole city is gathered at the door! And Jesus cures all their sick ones, no matter what their diseases are. He even frees the demon-possessed. As they come out., the demons that he expels shout: "You are the Son of God." But Jesus rebukes them and does not allow them to speak because they know he is the Christ. Mark 1:21-34; Luke 4:31-41; Matthew 8:14-17.

Next time:Why Jesus Came To Earth

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Four Disciples Are Called

AFTER the murderous attempt on Jesus' life in his hometown of Nazareth, he moves to the city of Capernaum, near the Sea of Galilee. This fulfills another prophecy of Isaiah. It is one that foretold that people of Galilee dwelling by the sea would see a great light.

As Jesus carries on his light-bearing work of Kingdom preaching here, he locates four of his disciples. These had traveled with him earlier but went back to their fishing business when they returned with Jesus from Judea. Likely, Jesus now searches them out, since it it time to have steady regular helpers whom he can train to carry on the ministry after he is gone.

So as Jesus is walking along the seashore and sees Simon Peter and his companions washing their nets, he goes over to them. He climbs into Peter's boat and asks him to pull away from land. When they get out a little distance. Jesus sits down in the boat and begins teaching the crowds on the shore.

Afterward, Jesus says to Peter: "Pull out to where it is deep and you men let down your nets for a catch." Instructor," Peter replies, "for a whole night we toiled and took nothing, but at your bidding I will lower the nets."

When the nets are lowered, such a great multitude of fish are caught that the nets begin to rip. Urgently, the men motioned to their partners in a boat nearby to come and help. Soon both boats are filled with so many fish that they begin to sink. Seeing this, Peter falls down before Jesus and says: "Depart from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord. Stop being afraid," Jesus answers "From now on you will be catching men alive."

Jesus also invites Peter's brother Andrew." "Come after me," he urges them, "and I will make you fishers of men." Their fishing partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are given the same invitation and they too respond and without hesitation. So these four abandon their fishing business and become the first four disciples of Jesus' steady, regular followers. Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:13-22; Mark 1:16-20; Isaiah 9:1, 2.

Next time:More Miracles In Capernaum

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Four Disciples Are Called

In Jesus' Hometown Synagogue

THERE is no doubt a stir of excitement in Nazareth when Jesus returns home. Before he left to be baptized by John a little over a year before, Jesus was known as a carpenter. But now he is know far and wide as a miracle worker. The local residents are eager to see him do some of these marvelous works among them.

Their anticipation rises as Jesus, according to his custom, goes to the local synagogue. During the services, he stands up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah is handed to him. He finds the place where it tells of the One anointed by Jehovah's spirit, which place in our Bible today is chapter 61.

After reading about how this One would preach a release to the captives, a recovery of sight to the blind, and about Jehovah's acceptable year, Jesus hands the scroll back to the attendant and sits down. All eyes are intently fixed upon him. Then he speaks, probably at some length, explaining: "Today this scripture that you just heard is fulfilled."

The people marvel at his "winsome words" and say to one another: "This is a son of Joseph, is it not?" But knowing that they want to see him perform miracles, Jesus continues: "No doubt you will apply this illustration to me, 'Physician, cure yourself; the things we heard as having happened in Capernaum do also here in your home territory.' " Evidently, Jesus' former neighbors feel that healing should begin at home, for the benefit of his own people first. So they feel they have been slighted by Jesus.

Realizing their thinking, Jesus relates some applicable history. There were many widows in Israel during the days of Elijah,he notes, but Elijah was sent to none of those . Rather, he went to a non-Israelite widow in Sidon, where he performed a lifesaving miracle. And in the days of Elijah, there were many lepers, but Elijah cleansed only Naaman from Syria.

Angered by these unfavorable historical comparisons that expose their selfishness and lack of faith, those in the synagogue rise up and rush Jesus outside the city. There, on the brow of the mountain upon which Nazareth is built, they try to throw him over the edge. But Jesus escapes from their grasp and gets aways safely. Luke 4:16-30; 1 Kings 17:8-16; 2 Kings 5:8-14.

Next time: Four Disciples Are Called

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Second Miracle While In Cana

WHEN Jesus returns to his home territory after an extended preaching campaign in Judea, it is not to rest up. Rather, he begins an even greater ministry in Galilee, the land where he grew up. But his disciples, instead of staying with him, return home to their families and their former occupations.

What message does Jesus begin preaching? This: "The kingdom of God has drawn near. Be repentant, you people, and have faith in the good news." And the response? The Galileans receive Jesus. He is held in honor by all. However, this is not particularly due to his message but, rather, because many of them were at the Passover in Jerusalem months before and saw the remarkable sings he performed.

Jesus apparently begins his great Galilean ministry in Cana. Earlier, you may recall, on returning from Judea, he turned water into wine at a wedding feast there. On this second occasion, the child of a government official of King Herod Antipas is very sick. Hearing that Jesus has come from Judea to Can, the official travel all the way from his home in Capernaum to find Jesus. Grief-stricken, the man urges: 'Please come immediately, before my child dies.'

Jesus responds: 'Go back home. Your son is healed!' Herod's official believes and starts on the long trip home. On the way he is met by his servants, who have hurried to tell him that all is well-his son has recovered! 'When did he get better? He asks. 'Yesterday at 1:00 p.m.,' they answer.

The official realizes that this is the very hour when Jesus said, 'Your son is healed! After that, the man and his entire household become disciples of Christ.

Cana thus became favored as the place where, signaling his return from Judea, Jesus twice performed miracles. These, of course, are not the only miracles he performed up to this time, but they are significant because they marked his return to Galilee.

Jesus now heads home to Nazareth. What awaits him there?

Next time: In Jesus' Home Synagogue

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991

Conclusion of Teaching A Samaritan Woman

Many Samaritans Believe

On returning from Sychar with food, the disciples find Jesus at Jacob's well where they left him, and where he is now talking with a Samaritan woman. When the disciples arrive, she departs, leaving her water jar, and heads for the city. Interested deeply in the things Jesus told her, she tells the men in the city: "Come here, see a man that told me all the things I did." Then, in such a way as to arouse curiosity, she asks: "This is not perhaps the Christ, is it?" The question accomplishes its purpose-the men go to see for themselves.

Meanwhile, the disciples urge Jesus to eat the food that they have brought from the city. But he replies: "I have food to eat of which you do not know."

"No one has brought him anything to eat, has he?" The disciples ask one another, Jesus explains: "My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say that there are yet four months before the harvest comes? " However, pointing to the spiritual harvest, Jesus says: "Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting. Already the reaper is receiving wages and gathering fruit for everlasting life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together."

Perhaps Jesus can already see the grand effect of his encounter with the Samaritan woman-that many are putting faith in him on account of her testimony. She is witnessing to the townspeople, saying: "He told me all the things I did." Therefore, when the men of Sychar come to him at the well, they ask him to stay and talk to them some more. Jesus accepts the invitation and remains for two days.

As the Samaritan listen to Jesus, many more believe. Then they say to the woman: "We do not believe any longer on account of your talk; for we have heard for ourselves and we know that this man is for a certainty the savior of the world." Surely the Samaritan woman provides a fine example of how we can witness about Christ by arousing curiosity so that listeners will search further!

Recall that it is four months before the harvest-evidently the barley harvest, which in Palestine occurs in the spring. So it is n ow probably November or December. This means that following the Passover of 30 C.E., Jesus and his disciples spent eight months or so in Judea teaching and baptizing. they leave now for their home territory of Galilee. What awaits them there? John 4:3-43.

Next time: Second Miracle While In Cana

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Teaching A Samaritan Woman

ON THEIR way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus and his disciples travel through the district of Samaria. Tired from the journey, about noon they stop to rest by a well near the city of Sychar. This well was dug centuries before by Jacob, and it remains even down until today, near the modern-day city of Nablus.

While Jesus rests here, his disciples go into the city to buy some food. When a Samaritan woman comes to draw water, he requests: "Give me a drink."

Jews and Samaritans generally have no dealings with one another because of deep-seated prejudices. So, in astonishment, the woman asks: "How is it that you, despite being a Jew, ask me for a drink, when I am a Samaritan woman?"

If you had known," Jesus answers, "who it is that says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

"Sir," she replies, "you have not even a bucket for drawing water, and the well is deep. From what source, therefore, do you have this living water? You are not greater than our forefather Jacob, who gave us the well and who himself together with his sons and his cattle drank out of it, are you?" "Everyone drinking from this water will get thirsty again," Jesus observes. "Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become him a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life."

"Sir, give me this water, so that I may neither thirst nor keep coming over to this place to draw water," the woman responds.

Jesus now says to her: "Go, call your husband and come to this place." I do not have a husband she answers.

Jesus verifies her statement. "You said well, 'A husband I do not have.' For you have had five husbands, and the main you now have is not your husband."

Sir, I perceive you are a prophet," the woman says in amazement. Revealing her spiritual interest,she notes that the Samaritans "worshiped in this mountain [Gerizim, which stands nearby]; but you people [the Jews] say that in Jerusalem is the place where persons ought to worship."

Yet, the place of worship is not the important thing, Jesus points out. "The hour is coming," he says,, "when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. God is a spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth."

The woman is deeply impressed. "I know that Messiah is coming, who is called Christ," she says. "Whenever that one arrives, he will declare all things to us openly."

"I who am speaking to you am he." Jesus declares. Think of it! This woman who comes at midday to draw water, perhaps in order to avoid contact with townswomen who despise her for her way of life, is favored in a wonderful way by Jesus. Point-blank he tells her what he has not confessed openly to anyone else. With what consequences?

Next time: Conclusion of Teaching A Samaritan Woman

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

John Decreases, Jesus Increases

FOLLOWING the Passover in the spring of 30 C.E., Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem. However, they do not return to their homes in Galilee but go into the country of Judea, where they do baptizing. John the Baptizer has been doing the same work for about a year now, and he still has disciples associating with him.

Actually, Jesus does not do any baptizing himself, but his disciples do it under his direction. Their baptism has the same significance as that performed by John, it being a symbol of a Jew's repentance of sins against God's Law covenant. However, after his resurrection, Jesus instructs his disciples to do baptizing that has a different significance. Christian baptism today is a symbol of a person's dedication to serve Jehovah God.

At this early point in Jesus' ministry, however, both John and he, although working separately , are teaching and baptizing repentant ones. But John's disciples become jealous and complain to him regarding Jesus: "Rabbi, . . .see,this one is baptizing and all are going to him."

Rather than being jealous, John rejoices in Jesus' success and also wants his disciples to rejoice. He reminds them: "You yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but, I have been sent forth in advance of that one." then he uses a beautiful illustration: "He that has the bride is the bridegroom. However, the friend of the bridegroom, when he stands and hears him, has a great deal of joy on account of the voice of the bridegroom. Therefore this joy of mine has been made full.

John, as the friend of the Bridegroom, rejoiced some six months earlier when he introduced his disciples to Jesus. Certain ones of them became prospective members of Christ's heavenly bride class to be made up of Christians anointed with the spirit. John wants his present disciples also to follow Jesus, since his purpose is to prepare the way for Christ's successful ministry. As John the Baptizer explains: " That one must go on increasing, but I must go on decreasing.

Jesus' new disciple John, who earlier had also been a disciple of John the Baptizer, writes regarding Jesus' origin and His important role in human salvation, saying: "He that come from heaven is over all others. . . . The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him."

Not long after John the Baptizer discusses the decrease of his own activity, he is arrested by King Herod. Herod has taken Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, as his own and when John publicly exposes his actions as improper, Herod has him put in prison. When Jesus hears about John's arrest, he leaves Judea with his disciples for Galilee. John 3:22-4:3; Acts 19:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Mark 1:14; 6:17-20.

Next time: Teaching A Samaritan Woman

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Teaching Nicodemus

WHILE he is attending the Passover of 30 C.E., Jesus performs remarkable signs, or miracles. As a result, many people put their faith in him. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin the Jewish high court, is impressed and wants to learn more. So he visits Jesus during the darkness of night, probably fearing that his reputation with other Jewish leaders will be damaged if he is seen.

"Rabbi," he says, "we know that you as teacher have come from God; for no one can perform these signs that you perform unless God is with him." In reply,, Jesus tells Nicodemus that in order to enter the Kingdom of God, a person must be "born again."

Yet, how can a person be born again? "He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he? Nicodemus asks.

No, that is not what being born again means. "Unless anyone is born from water and spirit," Jesus explains, "he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." When Jesus was baptized and holy spirit descend upon him, he was thus born "from water and spirit." By the accompanying declaration from heaven, 'This is my Son whom I have approved,' God announced that he had brought forth a spiritual Son having the prospect of entering into the heavenly Kingdom. Later, at Pentecost 33 C.E., other baptized ones will receive holy spirit and will thus also be born again as spiritual sons of God.

But the role of God's special human Son is vital. "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "so the Son of man must be lifted up, that everyone believing in him may have everlasting life." Yes, as those Israelites bitten by poisonous snakes had to look at the copper serpent to be saved, so all humans need to exercise faith in God's Son to be saved from their dying condition.

Stressing Jehovah's loving role in this, Jesus next tells Nicodemus: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." Thus, here in Jerusalem just six months after beginning his ministry, Jesus makes it clear that he is Jehovah God's means for saving humankind.

Jesus goes on to explain further to Nicodemus: "For God sent forth his Son into the world, not for him to judge the world," that is, not to judge it adversely, or condemn it, sentencing the human race to destruction. Rather, as Jesus says, he was sent "for the world to be saved through him."

Nicodemus has fearfully come to Jesus under the cover of darkness. So it is interesting that Jesus closes his conversation with him by saying: "now this is the basis for judgment, that the light [which Jesus personified in his life and teachings] has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. For he that practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved. But he that does what is true comes to the light, in order that his works may be made manifest as having been worked in harmony with God." John 2:23-3:21; Matthew 3:16, 17; Acts 2:1-4; Numbers 21:9.

Next time: John Decreases, Jesus Increases

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Zeal For Jehovah's Worship

JESUS' half brothers-Mary's other sons-are James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Before these all travel with Jess and his disciples to Capernaum, a city near the Sea of Galilee, perhaps they stop at their home in Nazareth so that the family can pack the things they will need

But why does Jesus go to Capernaum rather than carry on his ministry in Cana,in Nazareth, or in some other place in the hills of Galilee? For one thing. Capernaum is more prominently situated and is evidently a larger city. Also most of Jesus' newly acquired disciples live in or near Capernaum, so they will not have to leave their homes to receive training from him. During his stay in Capernaum, Jesus performs marvelous works, as he himself testifies some months later. But soon Jesus and his companions are on the road again. It is spring, and they are on their way to Jerusalem to attend the Passover of 30 C.E. While there , his disciples see something about Jesus that they have perhaps not seen before.

According to God's Law, Israelites are required to make animal sacrifices. So, for their convenience, merchants in Jerusalem sell animals or birds for this purpose. But they are selling right inside the temple, and they are cheating the people by charging them too much.

Filled with indignation, Jesus makes a whip of ropes and drives the sellers out. He pours out the coins of the money changers and overturns their tables. "Take these things away from here! " He cries out to those selling the doves. "Stop "Stop making the house of my Father a house of merchandise!"

When Jesus' disciples see this, they remember the prophecy about God's Son: "The zeal for you house will eat me up." But the Jews ask: What sign have you to show us, since you are doing these things?" Jesus answers: "Break down this temple , and in three days I will raise it up."

The Jews assume that Jesus is talking about the literal temple, and so they ask: "This temple was built in forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" However, Jesus is talking about the temple of his body. And three years later, his disciples remember this saying of his when he is raised from the dead. John 2:12-; Matthew 13:15; Luke 4:2.

Next time: Teaching Nicodemus

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991

Jesus' First Miracle

IT HAS been only a day or two since Andrew, Peter, John, Philip, Nathanael and perhaps James became Jesus' first disciples. These are now on their way home to the district of Galilee, where all of them originated. Their destination is Cana, the hometown of Nathanael, located in the hills not far from Nazareth, where Jesus himself grew up. They have been invited to a wedding feast in Cana.

Jesus' mother too has come to the wedding. As a friend of the family of the ones getting married, Mary appears to have been involved in ministering to the needs of the many guests. So she is quick to note a shortage, which she reports to Jesus: "They have no wine."

When Mary thus, in effect, suggests that Jesus do something about the lack of wine, Jesus is first reluctant. "What have I to do with you?" He asks. As God's appointed King, he is not to be directed in his activity by family or friends. So Mary wisely leaves the matter in her son's hands, simply saying to those ministering: "Whatever he tells you, do." Well, there are six large stone water jars, each of which can hold over ten gallons. Jesus instructs those ministering: "Fill the water jars with water." And the attendants fill them to the brim. Then Jesus says: "Draw some out now and take it to the director of the feast."

The director is impressed by the fine quality of the wine, not realizing that it has been miraculously produced. Calling the bridegroom, he says: "Every other man puts out the fine wine first, and when people are intoxicated, the inferior. You have reserved the fine wind until now."

This is the fist miracle of Jesus, and on their seeing it, the faith of his new disciples is strengthened along with his mother and his half brothers, they travel to the city of Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. John 2:1-12.

Next time: Zeal For Jehovah's Worship

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus' First Disciples

AFTER 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus returns to John who had baptized him. As he approaches, John apparently points to him and exclaims to those present: "See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world! This is the one about whom I said, behind me there comes a man who has advanced in front of me, because he existed before me." Although John is older than his cousin Jesus, John knows that Jesus existed before him as a spirit person in heaven.

Yet, a few weeks earlier, when Jesus cam to be baptized, John apparently did not know with certainty that Jesus was to be the Messiah. "Even I did not know him," John acknowledges, "but the reason why I came baptizing in water was that he might be made manifest to Israel."

John goes on to explain to his listeners what happened when he baptized Jesus: " I viewed the spirit coming down as a dove out of heaven, and it remained upon im. Even I did not know him, but the very One who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'Whoever it is upon whom you see the spirit coming down and remaining, this is the one that baptizes in holy spirit." And I have seen it, and I have borne witness that this one is the Son of God."

The next day John is standing with two of his disciples. Again, as Jesus approaches, he says: " See, the Lamb of God!" At this, these two disciples of John the Baptizer follow Jesus. One of whom is Andrew, and the other is evidently the very person who recorded these things, who was also named John. This John, according to indications, is also a cousin of Jesus, apparently being a son of Mary's sister, Salome.

Turning and seeing Andrew and John following him, Jesus asks: "What are you looking for?" "Rabbi, they ask, "Where are you staying?" "Come, and you will see," Jesus answers.

It is about four o'clock in the afternoon, and Andrew and John stay with Jesus the rest of the day. Afterward Andrew is so excited that he hurries to find his brother, who is called Peter. "We have found the Messiah," he tells him. And he takes Peter to Jesus. Perhaps John at the same time finds his brother James and brings him to Jesus; yet, characteristically, John omits this personal information from his Gospel.

The next day, Jesus finds Philip, who is from Bethsaida, the same city Andrew and Peter were originally from. He invites him: "Be my follower."

Philip then finds Nathanael, who is also called Bartholomew, and says: "We have found the one of whom Moses, in the Law, and the Prophets wrote, Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth." Nathanael is doubtful. "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" He asks.

"Come and see," Philip urges. when they are coming toward Jesus, Jesus says about Nathanael: "Seem, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit."

How does it come that you know me?" Nathanael asks. Before Philip called you , while you were under the fig tree, I saw you,"Jesus answers.

Nathanael is amazed. "Rabbi [meaning Teacher], you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel." he says.

Because I told you I saw you underneath the fig tree, to you believe me? Jesus asks. "You will see things greater than these." Then he promises: "Most truly I say to you men, you will see heaven opened up and the angels of God ascending and descending to the Son of man."

Very soon after this, Jesus, along with his newly acquired disciples, leaves the Jordan Valley and travels to Galilee. John 1:29-51.

Next time:Jesus' First Miracle

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Learning From Jesus' Temptations

IMMEDIATELY after his baptism, Jesus is led by God's spirit into the Judean wilderness. He has a lot to think about, for at his baptism "the heavens opened up," so that he could discern heavenly things. Indeed, there is much for him to meditate on!

Jesus spends 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness and eats nothing during this time. Then, when Jesus is very hungry, the Devil approaches to tempt him, saying: "If you are a son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." But Jesus knows it is wrong to use his miraculous powers to satisfy his personal desires. So he refuses to be tempted.

But the Devil does not give up. He tries another approach. He challenges Jesus to leap off the temple wall so that God's angels will rescue him. But Jesus is not tempted to make such a spectacular display. Quoting from the Scriptures, Jesus shows that it is wrong to put God to the test in this way.

In a third temptation, the Devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in some miraculous way and says: "All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me." But again Jesus refuses to yield to temptation to do wrong, choosing to remain faithful to God.

We can learn from these temptations of Jesus. They show, for example, that the Devil is not a mere quality of evil, as some people claim, but that he is a real,invisible person. The temptation of Jesus also shows that all the world governments are the Devil's property. For how could the Devil's offering them to Christ have been a real temptation if they were not really his?

And think of this: The Devil said he was willing to reward Jesus for one act of worship, even giving him all the kingdoms of the world. The Devil may well try to tempt us in a similar way, perhaps placing before us tantalizing opportunities to obtain worldly wealth, power, or position. But how wise we would be to follow Jesus' example by remaining faithful to god whatever the temptation may be! Matthew 3:16; 4:1-11; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1-13.

Next time: Jesus' First Disciples

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus' Baptism

ABOUT six months after John begins preaching, Jesus, who is now 30 years old, comes to him at the Jordan. For what reason? To pay a social visit? Is Jesus simply interested in how John's work is progressing? No, Jesus asks John to baptize him.

Right away John objects: "I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me?" John knows that his cousin Jesus is God's special Son. Why, John had jumped with gladness in his mother's belly when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited them! John's mother, Elizabeth, no doubt later told him about this. And she would also have told him about the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth and about the appearance of angels to shepherds the night Jesus was born.

So Jesus is no stranger to John. And John knows that his baptism is not for Jesus. It is for those repenting of their sins, but Jesus is without sin. Yet, despite John's objection, Jesus insists: "Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous."

Why is it right for Jesus to be baptized? Because Jesus' baptism is a symbol, not of repentance for sins, but of his presenting himself to do the will of his Father. Jesus has been a carpenter, but now the time has come for him to begin the ministry that Jehovah Go sent him to earth to perform. do you think that John expects anything unusual to happen when he baptizes Jesus?

Well, John later reports: "The very One who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'Whoever it is upon whom you see the spirit coming down and remaining, this is the one that baptizes in holy spirit.' " So John is expecting God's spirit to come upon someone he baptizes. Perhaps, therefore, he is not really surprised when, as Jesus comes up from the water, John sees "like a dove God's spirit coming upon him."

But more than that happens as Jesus is baptized. 'The heavens are opened up' to him. What does this mean? Evidently it means that while he is being baptized, the memory of his prehuman life in heaven returns to him. Thus, Jesus now fully recalls his life as a spirit son of Jehovah God, including all the things that God spoke to him in heaven during his prehuman existence.

In addition, at the time of his baptism, a voice from heaven proclaims: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." Whose voice is that? Jesus' own voice? Of course not! It is Gods. Clearly, Jesus is God's Son, not God himself, as some people claim.

However, Jesus is a human son of God, even as was the first man, Adam. The disciple Luke, after describing Jesus' baptism, writes: "Jesus himself when he commenced his work, was about thirty years old, being the son, as the opinion was, of Joseph, son of Heli, . . . son of David, . . .son of Abraham, . . .son of Noah, . . . son of Adam, son of God."

As Adam was a human "son of God," so is Jesus, Jesus is the greatest man who ever lived, which becomes evident when we examine Jesus' life. However, at his baptism, Jesus enters into a new relationship with God, becoming also God's spiritual Son. God now calls him back to heaven, as it were, by starting him off on a course that will lead to his laying down his human life forever in sacrifice in behalf of condemned humankind. Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-38; 1:34-36, 44; 2:10-14; John 1:32-34; Hebrews 10:5-9.

Next time: Learning From Jesus' Temptations

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus'

John Prepares The Way

SIXTEEN years have passed since Jesus was a child of 12 questioning the teacher in the temple. It is the spring of the year 29 C.E., and everybody,it seems, is talking about Jesus' cousin John, who is preaching in all the country around the Jordan River.

John is indeed an impressive man, both in appearance and in speech. His clothing is of camel hair, and he wears a leather girdle around his loins. His food is of insect locusts and wild honey. And his message? "Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."

This message excites his listeners. Many realize their need to repent, that is, to change their attitude and to reject their past course of life as undesirable. So from all the territory around the Jordan, and even from Jerusalem, the people come out to John in great numbers, and he baptizes them, dipping them beneath the waters of the Jordan. Why?

John baptizes people in symbol, or acknowledgment of their heartfelt repentance for sins against God's Law covenant. Thus, when some Pharisees and Sadducees come out to the Jordan, John condemns them. "You offspring of vipers," he says. "Produce fruit that befits repentance; and do not presume to say to yourselves, 'As a father we have Abraham.' For I say to you that God is able to raise children to Abraham from these stones. Already the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree,then, that does not produce fine fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire."

Because of all the attention John is receiving, the Jews send out priests and Levites to him. These ask: "Who are you?" I am not the Christ," John confesses. "What then?" They inquire. "Are you Elijah?" I am not," He answers. Are you the Prophet?" "No!"

So they become insistent: "Who are you? That we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

John explains: "I am a voice of someone crying out in the wilderness, "Make the way of Jehovah straight,' just as Isaiah the prophet said."

"Why then, do you baptize," they want to know, "if you yourself are not the Christ or Elijah or The Prophet?"

"I baptize in water," he answers. "In the midst of you one is standing whom you do not know, the one coming behind me." John is preparing the way by getting people in a proper heart condition to accept the Messiah, who will become the King. Of this One, John says: "The one coming after me is stronger than I am,whose sandals I am not fit to take off." In fact, John even says: "The one coming behind me has advanced in front of me, because he existed before me."

Thus, John's message, "the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near," serves as a public notification that the ministry of Jehovah's appointed King, Jesus Christ, is about to begin. John 1:6-8, 15-28; Matthew 31-12; Luke 3:1-18; Acts 19:4.

Next time: Jesus' Baptism

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Trips To Jerusalem

SPRING has arrive. And it is time for Joseph's family, along with friends and relatives, to make their yearly springtime trip to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. As they leave on what is about a 65-mile journey, there is the usual excitement. Jesus is now 12 years old, and he looks forward with special interest to the festival.

To Jesus and his family, the Passover is not just a one-day affair. They also stay for the following seven-day Festival of Unfermented Cakes, which they consider part of the Passover season. As a result, the entire trip from their home in Nazareth,including the stay in Jerusalem, takes about two weeks. But this year, because of something that involves Jesus, it takes longer.

The problem comes to light on the return trip from Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary assume that Jesus is in the group of relatives and friends traveling together. Yet he does not show up when they stop for the night, and they go hunting for him among their traveling companions. He is nowhere to be found. So Joseph and Mary go all the way back to Jerusalem to look for him.

For a whole day they hunt, but without success. The second day they cannot find him either. Finally, on the third day, they go to the temple. There, in one of its halls, they see Jesus sitting in the midst of the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions.

"Child, why did you treat us this way?" Mary asks. "Here your father and I in mental distress have been looking for you." Jesus is surprised that they did not know where to find him. "Why did you have to go looking for me?" He asks. "Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?" Jesus cannot understand why his parents would not know this. At that, Jesus returns home with his parents and continues subject to them. He goes on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men. Yes, from his childhood on, Jesus sets a fine example not only in seeking spiritual interests but also in showing respect to his parents. Luke 2:40-52; 27:7.

Next time: John Prepares The Way

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus' Early Family Life

WHEN Jesus is grown up in Nazareth, it is a rather small, unimportant city. It is located in the hill country of an area called Galilee, not far from the beautiful Jezreel Valley.

When Jesus, perhaps about two years old, is brought here from Egypt by Joseph and Mary, he is evidently Mary's only child. But not for long. In time, James, Joseph, Simon and Judas are born, and Mary and Joseph become parents to girls also. Eventually Jesus has, at the very least, six younger brothers and sisters.

Jesus has other relatives too. We already know about his older cousin John, who lives many miles away in Judea. But living closer by in Galilee is Salome, who apparently is Mary's sister. Salome is married to Zebedee, so their two boys, James and John, would be Jesus' cousins. We do not know whether ,while growing up, Jesus spends much time with these boys, but later they become close companions.

Joseph has to work very hard to support his growing family. He is a carpenter. Joseph teaches Jesus to be a carpenter too, and he learns well. That is why people later say of Jesus, "this is the carpenter.

The life of Joseph's family is built around the worship of Jehovah God. In keeping with God's Law, Joseph and Mary give their children spiritual instruction 'when they sit in their house, when they walk on the road, when they lie down, and when they get up.' There is a synagogue in Nazareth, and we can be sure that Joseph also regularly takes his family along to worship there. But no doubt they find their greatest enjoyment in regular trips to Jehovah's temple in Jerusalem. Matthew 13:55, 56; 27:56; Mark 15:40; 6:3; Deuteronomy 6::-9.

Next time:Trips To Jerusalem

The Greatest Mann Who Ever Lived, 1991

Escape From A Tyrant

JOSEPH wakes up Mary to give her urgent news. Jehovah's angel has just appeared to him, saying: "Get up, take the young child and its mother and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I give you word; for Herod is about to search fro the young child to destroy it."

Quickly, the three of them make their escape. And it is just in time because Herod has learned that the astrologers have tricked him and have left the country. Remember, they were suppose to report back to him when they found Jesus. Herod is furious. so in an attempt to kill Jesus, he gives orders to put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its districts who are two years of age and younger. He bases this age calculation on the information that he obtained earlier from the astrologers who had come from the East.

The slaughter of all the baby boys is something horrible to see! Herod 's soldiers break into one home after another. And when they find a baby boy, they grab him from his mother's arms. We have no idea how many babies they kill, but the great weeping and wailing of the mothers fulfills a prophecy in the Bible by God's prophet Jeremiah.

In the meantime, Joseph and his family have safely made it to Egypt, and they are now living there. But one night Jehovah's angel again appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up, take the young child and its mother," the angel says, "and be on your way into the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the soul of the child are dead." So in fulfillment of another prophecy that says God's Son would be called out of Egypt, the family return to their homeland.

Apparently Joseph intends to settle in Judea, where they were living in the town of Bethlehem before they fled to Egypt. But he learns that Herod's wicked son Archelaus is now the king of Judea, and in another dream he is warned by Jehovah of the danger. So Joseph and his family travel north and settle in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Here in this community, away from the center of Jewish religious life, Jesus grows up. Matthew 2:13-23; Jeremiah 31:15; Hosea 11:1.

Next time:Jesus' Early Family Life

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus And The Astrologers

A NUMBER of men come from the East. They are astrologers-people who claim to interpret the position of the stars. While they were at home in the East, they saw a new star, and they have followed it hundreds of miles to Jerusalem.

When the astrologers get to Jerusalem, they ask: "Where is the one born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when we were in the east, and we have come to do him obeisance."

When King Herod at Jerusalem hears about this, he is very upset. So he calls the chief priests and asks where the Christ is to be born. Basing their reply on the Scriptures, they answer: "In Bethlehem." At that, Herod has the astrologers brought to him and tells them: "Go make a careful search for the young child, and when you have found it report back to me, that I may go and do it obeisance." But, actually, Herod wants to find the child to kill him!

After they leave, an amazing thing happens. The star they had seen when they were in the East travels ahead of them. Clearly, this is no ordinary star, but it has been specially provided to direct them. The astrologers keep following it until it stops right above the house where Joseph and Mary are staying.

When the astrologers enter the house, they find Mary with their young child, Jesus. At that time they all bow down to him. And they take out of their bags gifts of gold and frankincense, and myrrh. Afterward, when they are about to return and tell Herod where the child is, they are warned by God in a dream not to do that. So they leave for their own country by another way.

Who do you think provided the star that moved in the sky to guide the astrologers? Remember, the star did not guide them directly to Jesus in Bethlehem. Rather, they were led to Jerusalem where they came in touch with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus. And he would have done so if God had not stepped in and warned the astrologers not to tell Herod where Jesus was. It was God's enemy, Satan the Devil, who wanted Jesus killed, and he used that star to try to accomplish his purpose. Matthew 2:1-12; Micah 5:2.

Next time: Escape From A Tyrant

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991

The Child Of Promise

INSTEAD of returning to Nazareth, Joseph and Mary remain in Bethlehem. And when Jesus is eight days old, they have him circumcised, as God's Law to Moses' commands. It is apparently the custom also to give the baby boy his name on the eighth day. So they name their child Jesus, as the angel Gabriel had directed earlier.

More than a month had passes, and Jesus is 40 days old. Where do his parents now take him? To the temple in Jerusalem, which is only a few miles away from where they are staying. According to God's Law to Moses, 40 days after giving birth to a son, a mother is required to present a purification offering at the temple.

That is what Mary does. As her offering, she brings two small birds. This reveals something about the economic situation of Joseph and Mary. The Law of Moses indicates that a young ram, which is more valuable than birds, should be offered. But if the mother could not afford this, two turtledoves or two pigeons would suffice.

In the temple an old man takes Jesus into his arms. His name is Simeon. God has revealed to him that he will not die before he has seen Jehovah's promised Christ, or Messiah. When Simeon comes to the temple on this day, he is directed by holy spirit to the child carried by Joseph and Mary.

As Simeon holds Jesus he thanks God, saying: "Now, Sovereign Lord, you are letting your slave to free in peace according to your declaration; because my eyes have seen your means of saving that you have made ready in the sight of all the peoples, a light for removing the veil from the nations and a glory of your people Israel "

Joseph and Mary are amazed when they hear this. Then Simeon blesses them and says to Mary that her son "is laid for the fall and the rising again of many in Israel" and that sorrow, like a sharp sword, will pierce her soul.

Present on this occasion is the 84-year old prophetess named Anna. In fact, she is never missing from the temple. In that very hour she comes near and begins giving thanks to God and speaking about Jesus to all those who will listen.

How Joseph and Mary rejoice over these events at the temple! Surely, all of this confirms to them that the child is the Promised One of God. Luke 2:21-38; Leviticus 12:1-8.

Next time:Jesus And The Astrologers

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus' Birth-Where And When?

THE emperor of the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus, has decreed that everyone must return to the city of his birth to be registered. So Joseph travels to his birthplace, the city of Bethlehem.

A lot of people are in Bethlehem to register, and the only place that Joseph and Mary can find to stay is in a stable. Here, where donkeys and other animals are kept, Jesus is born. Mary wraps him in strips of cloth and lays him in a manger, the place that holds the food for the animals.

Surely it was at God's direction that Caesar Augustus made his registration law. This made it possible for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, the Scriptures had long before foretold would be the birthplace of the promised ruler.

What an important night this is! Out in the fields a bright light gleams around a group of shepherds. It is Jehovah's glory! And Jehovah's angel tells them: "Have no fear, for, look! I am declaring to you good news of a great joy that all the people will have, because there was born to you today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in David's city. And this is a sign for you: you will find an infant bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger." Suddenly many more angels appear and sing: "Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill."

When the angels leave, the shepherds say to one another: "Let us by all means go clear to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which Jehovah has made known to us." They go in a hurry and find Jesus just where the angel told them, all who hear about it marvel. Mary safeguards all these sayings and cherishes them in her heart.

Many people today believe that Jesus was born on December 25. But December is a rainy, cold season in Bethlehem. Shepherds would not be out in the fields overnight with their flocks at that time of the year. Also, the Roman Caesar would not likely have required a people who were already inclined to revolt against him to make that trip in the dead of winter to register. (getting a clue here, you people out there?) Evidently Jesus was born sometime in the early autumn of the year. Luke 2:1-20; Micah 5:2.

Note: This so-called holiday you all have been celebrating is NOT a TRUE CHRISTIAN holiday. It is and always was a pagan holiday, which is against God's standards and rules and was brought forth from there for the businessman to make money. This also stands for other holidays as well, if you people would just read the Bible word for word, page for page, instead of letting your minister/preacher read it for you. But then, maybe you do not want to know the TRUE KNOWLEDGE. Think about it for awhile. I am just trying to get the truth for Jehovah God out there for you people, because I want to help you all to become TRUE CHRISTIANS to be blessed by Our Lord and Savior.

Next time: The Child Of Promise

The GreatestMan Who Ever Lived, 1991