Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles

After Jesus had been preaching for about a year and a half, he had an important decision to make.  Whom would he choose to work closely with him?  Whom  would he train to take the lead in the Christian congregation?  To make those decisions, Jesus wanted Jehovah's direction. So he went to a mountain where he could be by himself, and he prayed all  night long.  In the morning, Jesus called some of his disciples together and chose his 12 apostles.  Which of their names  do you remember?  Their names were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip,  Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, Jame the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot.

 The twelve would travel along with him.  After he trained them, they were sent out to preach on their own. Jehovah gave them power to expel demons and to heal sick people.

Jesus called the Twelve his friends, and he trusted them.  The Pharisees thought that the apostles were uneducated and ordinary. But Jesus gave them training for their work. They would with Jesus at the most important times in his life, such as before his death and after his resurrection. Like Jesus, most of the Twelve were from Galilee. Some of them were married.

The apostles were imperfect men who made mistakes. Sometimes they spoke before thinking and made bad decisions. At times they were impatient. They even argued over who was more important. But they were good people  who loved Jehovah.  They would be the foundation of the Christian congregation after Jesus was gone. 

"I have called you my friends, because I have made known to you all the things I have heard from my father." -JOHN 15:15.

Matthew 10:1-10; Mark 3:13-19;10:15-40; Luke 6:12-16; John 15:15; 20:24, 25; Acts 2:7; 4:13; 1 Corinthians 9:5; Ephesians 2:20-22.

Next time:  The Sermon on the Mount

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Performs Many Miracles

Jesus came to earth to declare the good news of God's Kingdom.  To show what Jesus will do as King, Jehovah gave him holy spirit to perform miracles.He could cure any sickness. Wherever he went, sick people came to him for help, and he cured them all.  The blind could see, the deaf could hear, paralyzed people could walk, and those controlled by demons were set free. Even if they just touched the edge of his clothing, they would be healed. People followed Jesus wherever he went. Even when he wanted to be  alone, Jesus never turned anyone away.

One time, people brought a paralyzed man to a house where Jesus was staying. But the house was so crowded that they could not get in. So they made a hole n the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus.  Then Jesus told the man:  'Get us an walk.'  When he did, the people were amazed. 

Another time, as Jesus entered a village, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance and shouted:  'Jesus, help us!'  In those days, lepers were not allowed to come near other people.  Jesus told the man to go to the temple, as Jehovah's Law said lepers must do after being cured.  On their way there, they were healed.  When one of the lepers realized that he had been cured, he came back to thank Jesus and praise God. OF the ten, only this one thanked Jesus.

A woman who had been sick for 12 years was desperate to be cure.   She came up behind Jesus in a crowd and touched the edge of his outer garment. Immediately, she was healed.  When that happened Jesus asked: "Who touched  me?'  The was frightened, but she came forward and told him the truth, but Jesus comforted her her saying:  'Daughter, go in peace.' 

An officer named Jairus begged Jesus: 'Come to my house! My little daughter is very sick.' But before Jesus could get to Jairus' house, the girl died. When Jesus arrived, he saw many people had come to mourn with the family. Jesus told them: 'Don't cry, she is only sleeping.'  Then he took the girl's hand and said: 'Child get up!'  She sat up immediately, and Jesus told her parents to give her something to eat. Just think how her parents must have felt!

"God anointed him with holy spirit and power, and he went through the land doing good and healing all those oppressed by the Devil, because God was with him. -" -ACTS 10:38.

Next time:  Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles

From the jw. org publications

Jesus teaches the Kingdom Message

Shortly after his baptism, Jesus began to preach: 'The Kingdom of God is near.'   Disciples followed him as he traveled around Galilee and Judea.  When Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, he went to the synagogue, opened the scroll of Isaiah, and read aloud:  'Jehovah has given me  holy spirit  so that I can preach the good news.'  What did that mean?  It meant that even though people wanted to see Jesus perform miracles, the main reason he had received holy spirit was to preach the good news.  Then he told his listeners:  'Today this prophecy has come true.' 

Next, Jesus went to the Sea of Galilee, where he met four of his disciples, who were fishermen.  He invited them, saying:  'Come with me, and I will  make you fishers of men.'   They were Peter, Andrew, James, and John.  They immediately left their fishing business and followed him.  They went all over Galilee preaching about Jehovah's Kingdom.  They preached in synagogues, at marketplaces, and in the streets. A large crowd followed the wherever they went. News about Jesus spread everywhere, even as far as Syria.

In time, Jesus gave some of his followers the power to heal people and to expel demons. Others went with him as he preached from village to village.  A number of faithful women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanne,  Susanna, and others took care of Jesus and his followers.

After training his disciples, Jesus sent them out to peach. As they traveled throughout Galilee, many others became disciples and got baptized. So many wanted to be disciples that Jesus compared them to a field that was ready to be harvested.  He said:  'Pray to Jehovah to send more workers to harvest the crop.'  He later chose 70 of his disciples and sent them out in pairs to peach all around Judea. They taught all kinds of people around the Kingdom.  When the disciples came back, they were eager to tell Jesus what had  happened.  There was nothing the Devil could do to stop the preaching work.

Jesus made sure that his disciples would continue to do this important work after he returned to heaven. He told them:  'Preach the good news all over the earth.  Teach people about God's Word, and baptized them.'

"I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent." -LUKE 4:43.

Matthew:  4:17-25; 9:35-38; 28:19, 20; Mark  1:14-20; Luke 4:14-21; 8:1-3; 10:1-22.

Next time:  Jesus Performs Many Miracles

From the jw.org publications

The Woman at the Well

After the Passover, Jesus and his disciples traveled through Samaria on their way back to Galilee.  Near the city of Sychar, Jesus stopped at a place called Jacob's well.  While he rested there, his disciples went into the city to buy food.

A woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her:  "Give me a drink."  She said: Why are you talking to me?  I'm a Samaritan woman, Jews don't talk to Samaritans.' Jesus told her:  'If you knew who I am, you would ask me for a drink and I would give you living water.'  What do you mean?' asked the woman.  "You don't have a bucket.'  Jesus said:  'Whoever drinks the water that I give him will never get thirsty again.'  "Sir, give me this water." 

Jesus then told her:  'Bring your husband to the well.'  She said: 'I don't have a husband.'  He said:  'You are telling the truth.  You've been married five times, and now you live with a man to whom  you are not married.'  The woman said: 'I see that you are a prophet. My people believe that we can worship God on this mountain, but the Jews say that we can worship only in Jerusalem. I believe that when the Messiah comes, he will teach us how to worship.'  Then Jesus said something he had not told anyone else:  'I am the Messiah.' 

The woman hurried to her city and told the Samaritans:  'I think I have found the Messiah. He knows everything about me. Come and see!' They followed her back to the well and listened to Jesus teach.

The Samaritans invited Jesus to stay in their city.  For two days, he taught them there, and many people put faith in him.  They told the Samaritan woman:  'After listening to this man, we know that he really is the savior of the world.

"Come!" and let anyone thirsting come; let anyone who wishes take life's water free."- REVELATION 22:17.

John 4:1-42

Next time: Jesus Teaches the Kingdom Message

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

In the spring of the year 30 C.E., Jesus went to Jerusalem.  Many people had come to the city for the Passover. As part of the celebration, they made animal offerings at the temple. Some people brought animals with them, but others bought them in Jerusalem.

 When Jesus went to the temple, he saw people selling animals there.  They were making money for themselves right in Jehovah's house of worship!  How did Jesus react?  He made a whip out of ropes and drove the sheep and the cattle out of the temple. He overturned the tables of the money changers and poured their coins out on the ground. Jesus told those who were selling doves: 'Take these things away from here! I will  not have you people making my house into a den of thieves!'

People at the temple were amazed at what Jesus did. His disciples remembered the prophecy about the Messiah:  'I will be full of zeal for Jehovah's house.'

Later, in the year 33 C.E., Jesus cleansed the temple a second time. He would not let anyone show disrespect for his Father's house. 

"You cannot be slaves o God and to Riches." -LUKE 16:13.

Matthew  21:12, 13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45, 46;  John 2:13-17; Psalm 69:9.



Next time:  The Woman At the Well

From the jw.org publications

The Devil Tests Jesus

After Jesus was baptized, the holy spirit led him into the wilderness. He did not eat anything for 40 days, and he got very hungry.  Then the Devil came to tempt Jesus and said to him:  'If you are really God's Son, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.'  But Jesus answered by quoting the Scriptures: 'It is written that man does not live by bread alone, but by the Word of God.  

Next, the Devil challenged Jesus:  'If you are really God's Son, jump off the highest point of the temple. But Jesus again quoted the Scriptures:  ' You should not put God to the test.' 

Then Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their riches and glory and said:  'You should worship the Lord thy God only. 

Then the Devil went away, and angels came and gave Jesus food to eat. From then on, Jesus preached the good news of the Kingdom (what I call the true knowledge, because you that first, then it is good news.)  It was the work that he was sent to earth to do. People  loved what Jesus taught them, and they followed him everywhere he went.

"When [the Devil] speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie." - JOHN 8:44.

Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1-15; Deuteronomy 6:13, 16;  8:3; James 4:7.

Next time: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Becomes the Messiah

John had been preaching: 'Someone greater than I am is coming.'  When Jesus was about 30 years old he came from Galilee to the Jordan River, where John was baptizing people. Jesus wanted John to baptize hi, but John said:  'I should not baptize you. You should baptize  me.'  Jesus told John:'Jehovah wants you to baptize me.'  So they went into the Jordan River, and John dipped Jesus completely under the water.

After Jesus came up from the water, he prayed. At that moment, the heavens opened up, and God's spirit came down on him like dove.  Then spoke from heaven: "You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you." 

When Jehovah's spirit came on Jesus, he became the Christ, or Messiah. Now he would start the work that Jehovah had sent him to earth to do.

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness and spent 40 days there.  When he returned, he went to see John. As Jesus came toward him, John said: 'This is the Lamb of God who will take away the sin of the world.'  By saying this, John let the people know that Jesus was the Messiah. Do you know what happened to Jesus while he was in the wilderness?  Let's find out.

"A voice came out of the heavens:  'You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you." -MARK 1:11.

Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:29-34; Isaiah 42:1; Hebrews 10:7-9. 

Next time: The Devil Tests Jesus

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of John Prepares the Way

John said to the tax collectors: 'Be honest and do not cheat anybody.'  He told the soldiers: 'Do not accept bribes or tell lies.'

Priests and Levites also came to John and asked him:  'Who are you?  Everyone wants to know.'  John said:  'I am a voice in the wilderness, leading people to Jehovah, just as Isaiah foretold.'

People loved what John was teaching them.  Many wondered if John was the Messiah. But he told them:  'Someone much greater is coming. I am not good enough to untied his sandals. I baptized with water, but he will baptize with spirit.'

"This man came as a witness, in order to bear witness about the light, so that people of all sorts might believe through him." -JOHN 1:7.

Matthew 3:1-11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:18; John 1:19-28; Isaiah 40:3.

Next time: Jesus Becomes the Messiah

From the jw.org publications

John Prepares the Way

John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, became a prophet when he grew up. Jehovah used John to teach people  that the Messiah was coming.  But instead of teaching in synagogues or in towns, John preached in the wilderness. People came from Jerusalem and all over Judea to learn from John.  He taught them that to please God, they needed to stop doing bad things. After listening to John, many repented of their sins, and John baptized them in the Jordan River. 

John lived a simple life. He wore clothing made of camel's hair and ate locusts and wild honey. People were curious about John.  Even the proud Pharisees and Sadducees came to see him. John told them: 'You need to change your ways and repent. Don't think that you are special just because you say that you are children of Abraham.  This does not mean that you are children of God.'

Many came to John and asked:  'What do we need to to to please God?'  John told the Jews:  'If you have two coats, give away to a person who needs it.' Do you know why he said that?  He wanted his disciples to know that to please God, they must love people. 

Next time: Conclusion of John Prepares the Way

From the jw.org publications

Young Jesus

Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth with Jesus and their other sons and daughters.   Joseph supported  as a carpenter, and he taught them about Jehovah's Law.  The family went to the synagogue regularly to worship and to Jerusalem for the Passover each year.

When Jesus was twelve years old, his family made the long trip to Jerusalem as usual. The city was crowded with people who had come to celebrate Passover.  Afterward, Joseph and Mary began the journey home, thinking that Jesus was with the group.  But when they looked for him among their relatives, they couldn't find him.

 They returned to Jerusalem, and for three days, the searched for their son. Finally, they went to the temple. There was Jesus, sitting in the middle of the teachers, listening carefully and asking good questions.  The teachers were so impressed with Jesus that they began asking him questions. And they were amazed by his answers. They could see that he understood Jehovah's Law.

Joseph and Mary had been very worried. Mary said: 'Child we have been looking for you everywhere!  Where have you been?'  Jesus said: 'Did you not know that I must be here in my Father's house?

Jesus went home with his parents to Nazareth. Joseph taught Jesus how to do the work of a carpenter. What sort of person do you think Jesus was as a young man?  As he grew up, Jesus increased in wisdom and in favor with God and men.

"To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is deep within me." -PSALM 40:8

Next time: John Prepares the Way

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Jehovah Protected Jesus

Jehovah had told the men from the East that they should not return to Herod.  When Herod realized that they were not coming back, he was furious. Since he could not find Jesus, he ordered that all little boys of Jesus' age in Bethlehem be murdered.  But Jesus was safe, far away in Egypt.

In time, Herod died. Jehovah told Joseph:  'Now it is safe for you to go back.'Joseph, Mary and Jesus went back to Israel, and they made their home in the city of Nazareth. 

"So my word that goes out of my mouth will be . . ., and I will have sure success in what it send it to do." - Isaiah 55:11. 

Matthew 2:1-23. 

Next time: Young Jesus

From the jw.org publications

Jehovah Protected Jesus

Ina land to the east of Israel were people who believe that the stars would guide them. One night, some men from the east saw what looked like a bright star moving in the east sky, and they followed it.  The "star" led them to Jerusalem.  The men starting asking people.  'Where is the child who will be king of the Jews? We have come to bow down to him.'

When Herod, the king of Jerusalem heard about a new king, he was very worried. He asked the chief priests:  'Where is this king supposed to be born?  They told him:  'The prophets said that he would be born in Bethlehem.'   So Herod called the men from the east and told them:  'Go to Bethlehem and find this child.  Come back and tell me where he is. I want to bow down to him too.' But that was a lie.

The "star" began to move again. The men followed it to Bethlehem.  The "star" came to a stop above a house and the men went inside.  They found Jesus with his mother, Mary.  They bowed down to the child and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Had Jehovah really sent these men to find Jesus?  No.

That night, Jehovah told Joseph in  a dream:  'He wants to kill Jesus. Take your wife and son and flee to Egypt. Stay that until I tell you it is safe to return.'  Immediately, Joseph and his family went to Egypt. 

Next time: Conclusion of Jehovah Protected Jesus

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus

The shepherds said one to another:  'Let's go to Bethlehem right away.' They went quickly and found Joseph and Mary in the stable with their newborn baby.

Everyone who heard what the angel said had told the shepherds was amazed. Mary thought deeply about the angel's words and never forgot them.  The shepherds went back to their flocks, thanking Jehovah for all they had seen and heard.

"I came from God and I am here. I have not come of my own initiative, but that One that sent me." - JOHN 8:42.

Next time: Jehovah Protected Jesus

From the jw.org publications

Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus

The ruler of the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus, ordered that all Jews return to their hometowns to be registered.  So Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, where Joseph's family came from. It was almost time for Mary to have her baby.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, the only place they could find to stay was a stable. It was there that Mary gave birth to her son Jesus. She wrapped him in soft cloths and laid him gently in a manager.

Near Bethlehem, some shepherds were spending the night outdoors, watching over their flocks.  Suddenly, an angel stood before them and they were surrounded by the light of Jehovah's glory.  The shepherds were frightened, but the angel said:  'Don't be afraid. I have exciting news. The Messiah was born today in Bethlehem.'  At that moment, may angels appeared in the sky, saying: 'Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth.' Then the angels disappeared. How did  the shepherds react? 

Next time: Conclusion of Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus

From the jw.org publications

Gabriel VIsits Mary

Elizabeth had a young relative named Mary, who lived in the city of Nazareth in Galilee. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. He said:  'Good day, Mary. Jehovah has greatly favored you.'  She did not understand what Gabriel meant.  He then told her: 'You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will rule as King.  His Kingdom will live forever.'

Mary said: 'But I am a virgin.  How could I have a child?' Gabriel said: 'Nothing is impossible for Jehovah. Holy Spirit will come upon you, and you will have a son. Your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant.'  Then Mary said:  'I am Jehovah's slave girl. May it happen to me just as you have said.'

Mary went to the city in the hills to visit Elizabeth.  When Mary greeted her, Elizabeth felt the baby inside her jump.  Filled with holy spirit, she said: 'Mary, Jehovah has blessed you. It is an honor to have the mother of my Lord in my home.' Mary said: 'I praise Jehovah  with all my heart.'  Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, and then she went home to Nazareth.

When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, he wanted to end the engagement. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to marry her.  She hasn't done anything wrong.'  So  Joseph took Mary as his wife and brought her to his home.

"Jehovah does everything he pleases to do in heaven and on earth." - Psalm 13:5, 6

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56; Isaiah 7;14, 9:7; Daniel 2:44; Galatians 4:4,

Next time: Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus

From the jw.org publications

Elizabeth Has A Baby

Over 400  years after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, lived near the city.  They had been married for many years but did not have any children. One day  as Zechariah offered incense in the temple sanctuary, the angel Gabriel appeared. Zechariah was frightened, but Gabriel said:  'Don't be afraid. I bring you good news from Jehovah.  Your wife, Elizabeth, will give birth to a son and his name will be John. Jehovah has chosen John for a special work.'  Zechariah asked:  'How can I believe you?  My wife and I are too old to have a child.'  Gabriel said:  'I have been sent by God to give you this news.  But because you did not believe me, you will not be able to speak until after the baby is born.'

Zechariah stayed in the sanctuary longer than usual.  So when he came out, the people waiting outside wanted to know what had happened. Zechariah could not speak. He could only make gestures with his hands.  Then the people realized that Zechariah had received a message from God.

In time, Elizabeth became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy, just as the angel had said.  Her friends and relatives came to see the baby.  They were very happy for her.  Elizabeth said: His name will be John.'  They said; "There's no one in your family named John. Name his Zechariah, after his father.' But Zechariah wrote down the words:  'John is his name.'  At that moment, Zechariah could speak again! News about the baby spread all over Judea, and people wondered:  'What will this child grow up to be?' 

Then Zechariah became filled with holy spirit.  He prophesied:  'Let Jehovah be praised. He promised Abraham that He would send a savior, the Messiah, to rescue us.  John will be a prophet, and he will prepare a way for the Messiah/'

Something special also happened to Elizabeth's relative Mary.  Let's find out about this in the next chapter. 

"With men, this thing is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -MATTHEW 19:26.

Matthew 11:7-14; Luke 1:5-25, 57-79; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1.


Next time: Gabriel Visits Mary

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of The Walls of Jerusalem

But some of the Israelite's enemies made fun of them, and said:  'A fox could knock down the wall you're building.'  The workers ignored the insults and kept on building.  The wall got higher and stronger.

The enemies decided to come from different directions and make a surprise attack on Jerusalem.  When the Jews heard about  the plan, they were frightened.  But Nehemiah said:  'Don't be afraid.  Jehovah is with us.'  He posted guards to protect the workers,  and the enemies were able to attack.

In just 52 days, the walls and gates were completed. Nehemiah brought all the Levites to Jerusalem  for the inauguration.  He organized them into two groups of singers.  They went up on the wall by the stairs at the Fountain Gate and then marched in opposite directions around the city.  They played trumpets, cymbals, and harps and sang to Jehovah, Ezra went with on group, and Nehemiah with the other, until they met up  at the temple.  All the people -men, women, and children-offered sacrifices  to Jehovah and celebrated. The sound of their happy voices could be heard far away. 

"No weapon formed against you will have any success." -ISAIAH 54:17.

Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:1-20; 4:1-23;  5:14; 6:1-19;  12:27-43. 

Next time: Elizabeth Has a Baby

From the jw.org publications  

The Walls of Jerusalem

Let's go back a few years. Nehemiah, a servant of King Artaxerexes, was an Israelite who lived in the Persian city of  Shushan. Nehemiah's brother came from Judah with bad news:  'The people who returned to Jerusalem are no safe. The city walls and gates that the Babylonians destroyed have never been rebuilt.'  Nehemiah  was upset. He wanted to go to Jerusalem to help, so he prayed that the king would let him go.

Later, the king noticed that Nehemiah was looking sad. He said:  'I've never seen you like this. What's wrong?' Nehemiah said:  'Why should I not look sad when my city, Jerusalem is in ruins?'  The king asked: 'What do you want me to do for you?'  Immediately Nehemiah prayed silently.  Then he said:  'Please, let me go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.' King Artaxerexes told Nehemiah that he could god, and the king made sure that he would be safe on his long journey. He also made Nehemiah governor of Judah and gave him wood for the city gates.

When Nehemiah arrived at Jerusalem, he inspected the city walls. Then he gathered the priests and rulers and told them:  'This is terrible. We need to get to work.'  The people agreed, and they began to rebuild the walls.

Next time: Conclusion of The Walls of Jerusalem

From the jw. org publications 

Ezra Taught God's Law

It had been about 70  years since most of the Israelites had gone back to Jerusalem, but some were still living in different  parts of the Persian Empire.  One of them was a priest named Ezra, who taught Jehovah's Law. Ezra learned that the people in Jerusalem were not following the Law, and he wanted to go and help them. Persian King Artaxerxes told him:  'God made you wise so that you can teach his Law. Go and take any who want to go with you.'  Ezra met with all who wanted to return to Jerusalem.  They prayed to Jehovah to keep them safe on the long journey, and then they set off. 

Four months later, the arrived at Jerusalem.  The princes there told Ezra:  'The Israelites have disobeyed Jehovah and married women who worship false god's.' What did Ezra do?  In front of the people, Ezra got down on his knees and prayed: 'Jehovah, you have done so much for us, but we have sinned against you.'  The people repented, but they were still doing things that were not right. Ezra chose elders and judges to look into these matters.  Over the next three months, those who did not worship were sent away.

Twelve years went by. In the meantime, the walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt.  So Ezra gathered the people in the public square to read God's Law to them.  When Ezra opened the book, the people stood up.  He praised Jehovah, they raised their hands in agreement. Then Ezra read and explained the Law, and the people listened carefully.  They admitted that  they had strayed from Jehovah again, and the wept.  The next day, Ezra read more of the Law to them.  They learned that soon they should celebrate the Festival of Booths. Right away, they began to prepare for the festival.

For the seven days of the festival, the people rejoiced and thanked Jehovah for a good harvest. There had not been a Festival of Booths, like it since the days of Joshua.  After the festival, the people gathered and prayed: 'Jehovah, you saved us from slavery, fed us in the desert, and gave us this beautiful land. But over and over, we disobeyed you. You sent prophets to warn us, but we did  not listen. Still you were patient. You kept your promise to Abraham. Now we promise that we obey you.'  They wrote down their promise, and the princes, Levites, and priests put their seal on it.

"Happy are those hearing the Word of God and keeping it!" -LUKE 11:28

Ezra 7:1028; 8:21-23, 31, 32;  9:1-10:19; Nehemiah 8:1-18; 9:1-38. 

Next time:  The Walls of Jerusalem

From the jw.org publication

Conclusion of Esther Saves Her People

Esther didn't know about the law. So Mordecai sent her a copy of it and told her:  'Go and talk to the king.' Esther said:  'Anyone who goes to the king without being invited will be killed. The king has not invited me for 30 days!  But I will go. If he holds out his scepter, I will live.  If he doesn't, I will die.'

Esther went to the king's courtyard.  When the king saw her, he held out his scepter.  She went to him, and he asked:  'What can I do for you Esther?'  She said:  'I want to invite you and Hamen to a feast.'  At the feast, Esther invited them to a second feast.  During the second feast, the king again asked:  'What can I do for you?'  She said someone is going to kill me and my people. Please save us.'  The king asked: 'Who wants to kill you?'  She said: 'This  bad man Haman.' Ahasuerus was so angry that the he had Haman killed right away.

But nobody could cancel Haman's law, not even the king. So the king made Mordecai  head of the princes and gave him the power to make a new law. Mordecai made a law that allowed the Jews to defend themselves when they were attacked.  On the 13 day of Adar, the Jews defeated their enemies.  From then on, they celebrated this victory every year.

"You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake,  for a witness to them and the nations." -MATTHEW 10:18

Esther 2:5-20; 3:1-5:8; 7:1-8:14; 9:1-28.

Next time: Ezra Taught God's Law

From the jw.org publications

Esther Saves Her People

Esther was a Jewish girl who lived in the Persian city of Shushan. Many years before, her family had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai, a servant of King Ahasuerus of Persia.

King Ahasuerus wanted a new queen. His servants brought him the most beautiful women in the land including Esther. Out of all the women, the  king chose Esther to be queen. Mordecai told Esther not  to reveal she is Jewish.

A proud man named Haman was head of all the princes. He wanted everyone to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to do so,  and Haman was so angry that he wanted to kill him.  When Haman found out that Mordecai was a Jew, he formed a plan to kill all the Jews in the land. He told the king: "'The Jews are dangerous; you need to get rid of them.' Ahasuerus said: 'Do whatever you need to do,' and gave him the power to make the law. Haman made a law that told the people to kill all the Jews on the 13th day of the month of Adar. Jehovah was watching. 

Next time: Conclusion of Esther Saves Her People

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Daniel in the Lion's Pit

When King Da-ri'us learns why these men wanted to make this law, he is very sorry. But he cannot change the law, so he has to give the command for Daniel to be thrown into the lion's pit.  But the king tells Daniel:  'I hope that your God, whom you serve will serve you.'

Da-ri'us is so upset he can't sleep that night. The next morning he runs to the lion's pit. When he gets there, he cries out:  'Daniel, servant of the living God!  Was the god whom serve able to save  you from the lions?' 

 'God sent his angel,' Daniel answers, 'and shut the mouths of the lions so that they did not hurt me.'

The king is very glad. He commands Daniel be lifted out of the pit. Then he has the bad men who tried to get rid of Daniel thrown to the lions. Even before they reach the bottom of the pit, the lions grab them and break all their bones.

Then Da-ri'us writes to all the people in his kingdom: 'I command everyone should respect Danie's God. He does great miracles. He saved Daniel from being eaten by the lions.' 

Daniel 6:1-28.

Next time: Esther Saves Her People

From the jw.org publications

Daniel in the Lion's Pit

OH, OH! It seems that Daniel is in a lot trouble. But the lions are not hurting him! Do you know why? Who put Daniel in here with all these lions?  Let's find out.

The king of Babylon is now a man named Da-ri' us.  He likes Daniel very much because Daniel is so king and wise. Da-ri'us chooses Daniel to be chief ruler in the kingdom. This makes other men in the kingdom jealous of Daniel, so this is what they do.

They go to Da-ri'us and say:  'We have agreed, O king, that you should make a law saying that for 30 days no one should pray to any god or any man except you, O king. If anyone disobeys, then he should be thrown in with the lions.'  Da-ri'us does not know why these men want this law made.   But he thinks it is a good idea, so puts the law into writing. Now the law cannot be changed.. 

When Daniel learns about the law, he goes home and prays, just as he has always done. The bad men knew that Daniel would not stop praying to Jehovah. They are happy, because it seems that their plan to get rid of Daniel is working.

Next time: Conclusion of Daniel in the Lion's Pit

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of Handwriting on the Wall

'But you,' Daniel tells Bel-shaz'zar,  'knew what happened to him, and still you are proud just as Neb-u-chad- nez'zar was. You brought in the cups and bowls from Jehovah's temple and drunk out of them.  You have praised gods made of wood and stone, and you have not honored our Grand Creator.  That is why God sent the hand to write these words. 

'This is what is written,' Daniel says. 'ME-NE, ME'NE, TE'KEL and PAR"SIN.'

'ME'NE means that God had numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end. TE'KEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found to be no good. PAR'SIN Means that your kingdom is given to the Medes and the Persians.'

Even while Daniel is speaking, the Medes and the Persians have begun to attack Babylon.  They capture the city and kill Bel-shaz'zar.  The handwriting on the wall comes true that very night! But what will happen to the Israelites now?  We will soon find out, but first let's see what happens to Daniel.

Daniel 5:1-31. 

Next time: Daniel in the Lion's Pit

From the jw.org publications

Handwriting on the Wall

The people are having a big feast. The king of Babylon has invited a thousand important guests. They are using the gold cups and silver cups and the bowls taken from Jehovah's temple in Jerusalem. But, suddenly, the fingers of a man's hand appear in the air and begin to write on the wall. Everyone is scared.

Bel-shaz'zar, the grandson of Neb-u-chad-nez'zar, is the king now. He shouts for his wise men to be brought in.  'Anyone who can read this writing and tell me what it means,' the king says,  'will be given many gifts and be made the third most important  ruler in the kingdom.'  But none of the wise men can read the writing on the wall, nor tell its meaning.

The king's mother hears the noise and comes into the big dining room. 'Please don't be frightened,' she tells the king.  'There is a man in your kingdom that knows the holy gods. When your grandfather Neb-u-chad-nez'zar was king he made him the chief of all his wise men. His name is Daniel. Send for him, and he will tell you what all of this means.'

So right away Daniel is brought in. After refusing to take any gifts,Daniel begins to tell why Jehovah  once removed Bel-shaz'zar's grandfather Neb-u-chad-nez'zar from being king.  'He was very proud,' Daniel says. 'And Jehovah punished him.' 

Next time: Conclusion of Handwriting on the Wall

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of They Would Not Bow Down

At hearing this, Neb-u-chad-nez'zar is even more angry.  There is a furnace nearby and he commands: 'Heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was before!'  Then he has the strongest men in his army tie up Sha'drach, Me'shach and A-bed'ne-go go and throw them in the furnace. The furnace is so hot that the strong men are killed by the flames. But what about the three you men whom they threw in?

The king looks into the furnace, and becomes very much afraid.  'Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the burning hot furnace?' he asks.

'Yes, we did,' his servants answer.

'But I see four men walking around in the fire,' he says.  'They are not tied up, and the fire is not burning them.  And the fourth one looks like a god.'  The king goes closer to the door of the furnace and cries out:  Sha'drach! Me'shach! A-bed'ne-go ! come out, you servants of the Most High God!'

When they come out, everyone can see that they have not been hurt. Then the king says: 'Let the God of Sha'drach, Me'shach and A-bed'ne-go be praised!  He has sent his angel and saved them because they would not bow down and worship any god except for their own.' 

Isn't this a fine example of faithfulness to Jehovah for us to follow?

Note: Well, I must say, it took them long enough to get to  what I had told you earlier. But I am glad they did. I wish they would all of it every time,  so people won't have to guess for any amount of time. 

Exodus 20:3; Daniel 3:1-30.

Next time: Handwriting on the Wall

From the jw.org publications

They Would Not Bow Down

DO YOU remember hearing about these young men?  Yes, they are the friends of Daniel who refused to eat  was not good for them.  The Babylonians called them Sha'drach, Me'shach and A-bed'ne-go.  Why aren't they bowing down  tot his huge image like everyone else?  Let's find out.

Do you remember the laws that Jehovah himself wrote called the Ten Commandments?  The first one of these is : 'You must not worship any other god's except me.'  The young men here are obeying this law, even though it is not an easy thing to do.

Neb-u-chad-nez'zar, the  king of Babylon, has called many important people to honor this image that he has set up.. He has just finish saying to all the people: 'When you hear the sound of the horns, the harps and the other musical instruments, you are to bow down and worship this gold image.  Anyone who does not bow down and worship will be thrown into a  burning hot furnace right away.'

When Neb-u-chad-nez'zar, learns that Sha'drach, Me'shach and A-bed'ne-go have not bowed down, he is very angry. He has them brought to him. He gives them another chance to bow down. But the young men trust in Jehovah. 'Our God whom we serve is able to save us,'  they tell Neb-u-chad-nez'zar.  'But even if he does not save us, we will not bow down to your image of gold.

Next time: Conclusion of They Would Not Bow Down

From the jw. org publications

Conclusion of Jerusalem Is Destroyed

Why has Jehovah  let this terrible destruction happen to the Israelites?  Because they have not listened to Jehovah and they have not obeyed his laws.  This shows how important it is for us to always do what God says.

At first a few people are allowed to stay in the land of Israel. King Neb-u-chad-nez'zar puts a few Jew named Ged-a-li'ah in charge of these people. But the some Israelites murder Ged-a-li'ah. Now the people are afraid that the Babylonians will come and destroy them all because this bad thing has happened.  So they force Jeremiah to come with them, and the run away to Egypt.

This leaves the land of Israel without any people at all. For 70 years no one lives in the land. It is completely empty. But Jehovah promises that he will bring his people back to the land after 70 years. In the meantime, what is happening to God's people in the land of Babylon where they have been taken?

Let's see.

2 Kings 25:1-26; Jeremiah 29:10; Ezekiel 1:1-3; 8:1-18. 

Next time:  They Would Not Bow Down

From the jw.org publications

Continue with Jerusalem Is Destroyed

Then Jehovah shows Ezekiel some woman at the north gate of the temple.  The[y are sitting there worshiping the false god Tam'muz.  And look at those men at the entrance of Jehovah's temple! There are about 25 of them. Ezekiel sees them.  They are bowing to the east and worshiping the sun!

 'These people have no respect for me,'Jehovah says. 'They not only do bad things, but come right out to my temple and do them!   So Jehovah promises:  'They will feel the force of my anger. And I will not be sorry for them when they are destroyed.' 

It is only about three years after Jehovah shows Ezekiel these things that the Israelites rebel against King Neb-u-chad-nez'zar.  So he goes  to fight against them. After a year and a half the Babylonians break through the walls of Jerusalem and burn the city to the ground. Most of the people are killed or taken away as prisoners to Babylon.

Next time: Conclusion of Jerusalem Is Destroyed

From the jw.org publications 

Continue with Jerusalem Is Destroyed

While Ezekiel is still in Babylon, Jehovah  shows him the bad things happening back in Jerusalem at the temple. Jehovah does this b y a miracle. Ezekiel is really still in Babylon, but Jehovah lets him see everything that is going on in the temple. And what Ezekiel sees is shocking!

'Look at the disgusting things that the people are doing here at the temple,'  Jehovah tells Ezekiel. 'Look at the walls covered with pictures of snakes and other animals. And look at the Israelites worshiping them!'   Ezekiel can see these things, and he writes down what is happening.

'Do you see what the Israelite leaders  are doing in secret?  Jehovah asks Ezekiel. Yes, he can see this too. There are 70 men, and they are worshiping false gods.  They are saying:  'Jehovah is not seeing us. He has left the land.'

Next time: Continue with Jerusalem Is Destroyed

From the jw.org publications

Jerusalem Is Destroyed

IT IS over 10 years since King Neb-u-chad-nez'zar took all the best educated Israelites away to Babylon. And now what is happening, is that Jerusalem is being burned down. And the Israelites who weren't killed are being taken as prisoners to Babylon.

Remember, this is what Jehovah's prophets warned would happen if the people didn't change their bad ways. But the Israelites did not listen to the prophets.  They kept right on worshiping false gods instead of Jehovah. So the people deserve to be punished. We know this because God's prophet Ezekiel tells us about the bad things that the Israelites were doing. 

Do you know who Ezekiel is?  He is one of the young men Neb-u-chad-nez'zar took to Babylon over 10 years before this great destruction of Jerusalem took place. Daniel and his three friends, Sha'drach, Me'shach, and A-bed'ne-go were also taken to Babylon at the same time.

Next time: Continue with Jerusalem Is Destroyed

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of Four Boys in Babylon

So Daniel goes to the guardian that Ash'pe-naz has put in charge of him and his three friends.  'Please put us to the test for 10 days,' he says.  'Give us some vegetables to eat and water to drink.  Then compare us with the other young men who eating the king's food, and see who looks better.'

The guardian agrees to do this. And when the 10 days are up, Daniel and his three friends look healthier than all the other young men.  So the guardian lets them continue to eat vegetables instead of what the king provides.

At the end of three years all the young men are taken to Neb-u-chad-nez'zar.  After talking to them all the king finds Daniel and his three friends to be the smartest ones.  So he keeps them to help him in the palace. And whenever the king asks Daniel, Sha'drach, Me'shach, and A-bed'ne-go  questions or gives them hard problems, they know 10 times as much as any of his priests or wise men.

Note: I wish they would tell the whole thing here about Daniel and his friends.  Maybe  you need to read the whole book of Daniel to understand everything.  Because Daniel and his friends are put through a terrible ordeal, only to come out of it, in great shape. 


Daniel 1:1-21

Next time: Jerusalem Is Destroyed

From the jw.org publications

Four Boys in Babylon

KING Neb-u-chad-nez'zar  takes all the best educated Israelites away to Babylon. Afterward the king chooses from among the most handsome and smartest young men.  One of these is Daniel, and the other three the Babylonians called Sha'drach, Me'sach and A-bed'ne-go. 

Neb-u-chad-nez'zar plans to train the young men to serve in his palace. After three years of training he will choose only the smartest ones to help him solve problems.  The king wants the boys  to be strong and healthy while they are being trained. So he gives orders that his servants should give all of them the same rich food and wine that he and his family receive.

Daniel is telling Neb-u-chad-nez-zar's chief servant Ash'pe-naz  that he does not want to eat the rich things from the king's table. But Ash'pe-naz is worried.  'The king has decided you are to eat and drink,' he says,' he says.  'And if you don't look as healthy as the other young men, he may kill me.'

Next time: Conclusion of Four Boys in Babylon

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of A Man Who Is Not Afraid

Years pass. Jo-si'ah dies, and three months later his son Je-hoi'a-kim becomes  king. Jeremiah keeps telling the people: 'Jerusalem will be destroyed if you don't change your bad ways.'  The priests grab Jeremiah and shout: 'You should be killed for saying these things.'  'Then they tell the princes of Israel: 'Jeremiah should be put to death, because he has spoken against our city.'

What will Jeremiah do now?  He is not afraid! He tells all of them:  'Jehovah sent me to speak these things to you. If you don't change your bad ways of living, Jehovah will destroy Jerusalem.  But be sure of this: If you kill me, you will be killing a man who has done no wrong.'

The princes let Jeremiah live, but the Israelites do not change their bad ways. Later Neb-u-chad-nez'zar, the king of Babylon, comes and fights against Jerusalem. Finally Neb-u-chad-nez'zar makes the Israelites his servants.  He takes thousands away to Babylon. Just think what it would be like to have strange people carry you off from your home to a strange land!

Jeremiah 1:1-8l 10:1-5; 26:1-16 2 Kings 24:1-17. 

Next time: Four Boys in Babylon

From the jw.org publications

A Man Who Is Not Afraid

There are some people that are making fun of a young man. This young man is Jeremiah. He is a very important prophet of God.

Soon after King Jo-si'ah starts destroying the idols out of the land, Jehovah tells Jeremiah to be His prophet. However, Jeremiah things his is too young to be a prophet.  But Jehovah says that He will help him.

Jeremiah tells the Israelites to stop doing bad things.  'The gods that the people of the nations worship are false,' he says.  But many Israelites would rather worship idols than worship the true God Jehovah.  When Jeremiah tells people that God will punish  them for their badness, they just laugh at him.

Next time: Conclusion of A Man Who Is Not Afraid

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Israel's Last Good King

Afterward, Jo-si'ah puts three men in charge of repairing Jehovah's temple. Money is collected from the people and given to these men to pay for the work that is to be done.  While they are working on the temple, the high priest Hil-ki'ah finds something very important there. It is the very book of the law that Jehovah had Moses write a  long, long time ago. It was lost for many years.

The book is taken to Jo-si'ah, and he asks that it be read to him. As he listens, Jo-si'ah can see that the people have not been keeping Jehovah's law. He feels very sad about this, and so he tears his clothes apart. He says: 'Jehovah is angry with us, because our fathers did not keep the laws written in this book.'

Jo-si'ah commands high priest Hil-ki'ah to find  out what Jehovah is going to do to them. Hil-ki'ah goes to the woman Hul'dah, who is a prophetess, and asks her.  She gives him this message from Jehovah to take back to Jo-si'ah: 'Jerusalem and all the people will be punished because they have worshipped false gods and the land has been filled with badness. But because you, Jo-si'ah have done what is good, this punishment will not come until after  your death.'

2 Chronicles 34:1-28. 

Next time: A Man Who Is Not Afraid

From the jw.org publications

Israel's Last Good King

JOSIAH is only eight years old when he becomes king of the southern two tribes of Israel.  This is very young for one to be king. So at first some older persons help him to rule the nation.

When Jo-si'ah hs been king for seven years he starts to seek Jehovah. He follows the example of good kings like David, Je-hosh'a-phat and Hez-e-ki'ah. Then, when he is still just a teenager, Jo-si'ah does a brave thing. 

For a long time most of the Israelites have been very bad. They worship false gods.  They bow down to idols. So Jo-si'ah goes out with his men to remove false worship from the land. This is a big job because so many worship false gods.  

Next time: Conclusion of Israel's Last Good King

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of God Helps Hezekiah

Hez-e-ki'ah is a good king.  He is not like the bad kings of the 10-tribe kingdom of Israel, or like his bad father king A'haz. Hez-e-ki'ah has been careful to obey all of Jehovah's laws.  So, after Hez-e-ki'ah finishes praying, the prophet Isaiah send him this message from Jehovah:  'The king of As-syr'i-a will not come into Jerusalem. None of his soldiers will come close to it.  They will not shoot a single arrow at the city.' 

Jehovah sent his angels  to As-syr'i-a  and in one night killed 185,000 As-syr'i-an soldiers. So the  king of As-syr'ia gives  up and goes back home.

The two-tribe kingdom is saved, and the people have peace for a while. But after Hez-e-ki'a dies his son Ma-nas'eh becomes king. Ma-nas'eh and his son A'mon after him are both very bad kings.  So again the land is filled with crime and violence. When King A'mon is murdered by his own servants, his son Jo-si'ah is made king of the two-tribe kingdom.

2 Kings 18:1-36; 19:1-37; 21:1-25.

Next time: Israel's Last Good King

From the jw.org publications