Prove Yourself Ready

In his prophecy regarding the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus Christ said to his disciples:  "Prove yourselves ready."  (Matthew 24:44) When Jesus made that statement, he himself was ready for a great test-his death as a ransom sacrifice.  (Matthew 20:28) What can we learn from the way Jesus had prepared himself?

Jesus had wholehearted love for Jehovah and for His righteous standards.  Concerning Jesus, Hebrews 1:9 states:  "You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness.  That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners." Because he loved his heavenly Father,m Jesus maintained integrity to him.  If we have similar love for God and live up to his requirements, he will safeguard us.  (Psalm 31:23)  Such love and obedience will help us to be ready for the great day of Jehovah.  

Love for people was a notable feature of Jesus' personality. Indeed, "he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and  thrown about like sheep  without a shepherd."  (Matthew 9:36) Consequently, Jesus preached the good news to the people, just as love motivates us to proclaim the Kingdom message for our neighbors. Love for God and for our neighbor keeps us active as Christian ministers and thus helps to prepare us for the great day of Jehovah. -Matthew 22:37-39. 

Next time: Conclusion of: Prove Yourself Ready

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007