Jesus' Public Service

In the original Greek, one important word having to do with worship is lei-tour-gi'a, which is translated "public service" in the New World Translation.  In Christendom lei-tour-gi'a has  give rise to the word "liturgy."  However, the formalistic liturgies of Christendom are not a truly beneficial service.

The apostle Paul used a Greek word related  to lei-tour-gi'a with reference to Israel's priests.  He said: "Every priest takes his station from day to day to render  public service [a form of lei-tour-gi'a] and to offer the same sacrifices often."  (Hebrews 10:11) Levite priests rendered a very valuable public service in Israel. They taught God's Law and offered sacrifices that covered the sins of the people.  (2 Chronicles 15:3; Malachi 2:7) When the priests and the people followed Jehovah's Law, the nation had reasons to be joyful. -Deuteronomy 16:15.

Next time: Conclusion of Jesus' Public Service

The Watchtower, 2000