Jesus Christ Our Questions Answered

     "Who are the crowds saying that I am?" -Luke 9:18.



JESUS asked his disciples that question because he knew that people had varying  opinions about him. Yet, there was no valid reason for confusion.   Jesus was not a recluse, operating behind a cloak of secrecy.  Rather, he openly mingled with people in  their villages and cities.  He preached and taught publicly because he wanted people to know the truth about him. -Luke 8:1.

The truth about Jesus can be discerned in his words and actions, which are recorded in the four Biblical Gospels -Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  That inspired record is the basis for answering our questions about Jesus.  -John 17:17.

Question:
Was Jesus really a historical person?

Answer: Yes. Secular historians, including Josephus and Tacitus of the first century, mention Jesus as a historical figure. More important, the Gospels convincingly show that Jesus was a real person, not a fictional character.  The record is specific and detailed in stating time and place.  For example, Gospel writer Luke mentions seven ruling officials-whose names have been corroborated by secular historians-in order to establish the year Jesus began his ministry. -Luke 3:1, 2, 23.

The evidence that Jesus is a historical person is compelling.  "Most scholars will admit that a man known as Jesus of Nazareth did live in the first century," states the book Evidence for the Historical Jesus.

Question:
Is Jesus actually God?

Answer:  No. Jesus never considered himself equal to God. On the contrary, Jesus repeatedly showed that he was subordinate to Jehovah.  For example, Jesus referred to Jehovah as  "my God"  and   "the only true God." (Matthew 27:46; John 17:3)  Only a subordinate would use such expressions in referring to another.  A worker who refers to his employer as "my boss"   or the " one in charge" is clearly assuming an inferior position. 

Jesus also showed that he was separate from God. Jesus once said to opposers who challenged his authority:  "In your own Law it is written, 'the witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about  me."  (John 8:17, 18) Jesus must be separate from Jehovah.  How else could they be viewed as two witnesses?"

Next time: Continue with Jesus Christ Our Questions Answered

The Watchtower, 2012

In Search of Answers

"Nearly everyone has a theory about who [Jesus] is.  No matter the level of our faith or skepticism, we all fin ourselves asking, 'Who is this man?' " Author Stan Guthrie



PEOPLE are curious about Jesus.  Books about him have become best sellers. Movies about him have become major box-office successes. (even though Hollywood does not always show the whole truth,they blow things out of proportion) Yet, questions about Jesus persist. People have varying opinions about who Jesus really was.

A few years ago, two journalists invited people to respond online to the question "Who was Jesus?" The answers included the following:

* "Apparently he was a rabbi (teacher) who made his life an example of compassion."

*  "He was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life."

*  "There is no proof that Jesus existed."

*  "Jesus is the Son of God who was born, died, and rose from the dead to save us from our sins. He lives today, and he will come to earth again."

*  "I believe Jesus Christ is the only Son of God, fully human and fully divine, both at the same time."

*  "Jesus is a fairy tale for grown-up children."

Clearly, such widely differing views cannot all be correct.  Is there one reliable source of information that can give authoritative answers to our questions about Jesus?  The publishers of this journal believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that it alone tells us the whole truth about Jesus." -2 Timothy 3:16.

In the following article, we will consider the Bible's answers to some common questions about Jesus.  He himself said that the way to salvation is open to "everyone exercising faith in him." (John 3:16) We invite you to examine the answers and then decide for yourself whether you need to learn more about Jesus and how to exercise faith in him.

Next time: Jesus Christ Our Questions Answered

The Watchtower, 2012

Why Be Forgiving?

"Scientists have launched research that has begun to demonstrate that forgiveness can positively enhance emotional-and. quite possibly, physical-health," reports the Toronto Star of Canada.  Yet, Professor Carl Thoresen of Stanford University, U.S.A., lead researcher for the Stanford Forgiveness Project, notes that there are "very few people who understand what forgiveness is and how it works."

Genuine forgiveness is considered a vital aspect of Christianity.  The Toronto Star report defines it as "recognizing you have been wronged , giving up all resulting resentment, and eventually responding to  other offending person  with compassion and even love."  It must be differentiate from condoning, excusing, forgetting, or denying an offense; nor does it mean putting yourself back into an abusive situation.  The report  says that the key to true forgiveness is "letting go of anger and negative feelings."

Researchers say that more study into the physical benefits of forgiveness is needed. However, they do report physiological benefits, including "less stress, anxiety and depression."

A noble reason for forgiving  is expressed at Ephesians 4:32, which says: "Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you."  When it come to forgiveness, as in other respects, we are urged to become imitators of God. -Ephesians 5:1. 

Refusing to forgive others when there is a basis for mercy can adversely affect our own relationship with God.  Jehovah expects us  to forgive us. -Matthew 6:14; Mark 11:25; 1 John 4:11.


Next time: In Search of Answers

The Watchtower, 2000

Shepherds and Teachers All the Time

A doctor needs knowledge and experience in order to perform his work.  But his patients appreciate it when he shows kindness,  compassion, concern, and sincere interest.  These qualities must be part of his personality.  Similar  qualities must likewise become a part of the personality  ( I don't about all doctors, but  a couple I have had, had no compassion etc.) of a good teacher and shepherd, part of his everyday self. A real teacher will be prepared to instruct those around him whenever necessary.  "A word at its right time is O how good!"  says Proverbs 15:23. The "right time" may be when he is speaking from the platform, when he is preaching from house to house, or when he is having a conversation in the Kingdom Hall or on the telephone. Likewise, a good shepherd strives to display fine, caring qualities at all times, not just when he is making shepherding calls.  Having 'opened wide his heart,' he will take advantage of every opportunity to shepherd the sheep, giving them the care they need at the right time.  This is what makes him beloved in the eyes of the sheep. -Mark 10:43. 

Wolfgang, now an elder, recalls a social visit on his family by a ministerial servant and his wife.  He says: "Our children were thrilled with the attention they got and the pleasant time we had.  They are still talking about it."  Yes, this ministerial servant showed that he cared; he was 'opening wide his heart.'

Another opportunity to 'open wide one's heart' is by visiting the sick, sending them a short note of encouragement, or calling them on the telephone-anything to let them know hat you care!  Offer help when needed. If they want to talk, listen attentively. Talk about positive, exciting theocratic activities in the local congregation and elsewhere.  Help them to focus on the glorious future reserved for those who love Jehovah. -2 Corinthians 4:16-18.



In Addition to Shepherding Calls

Keeping in mind the purpose of shepherding, it is obvious that making formal shepherding calls at brother's homes, although important, is only part of what is involved.  A loving shepherd 'opens wide his heart' by being approachable under all circumstances and at all times.  The warm relationship he cultivates with his brothers assures them that in times of darkness, they need fear nothing. 

Next time: Why Be Forgiving?

The Watchtower, 2000 

Training Others to Become Shepherds

Any brother, regardless of age, who "is reaching out for an office of overseer . . . is desirous of a fine work."  (1 Timothy 3:1)  Many ministerial servants have demonstrated a willingness to reach out for additional privileges.  Thus, elders gladly help these  willing brothers to take this important step in "reaching our for an office of overseer."  This means training them to be effective shepherds.

Because of adhering closely to God's high standards, Jehovah's Christian congregation has not been weakened by false shepherds like the ones described at Ezekiel 34:2-6. These were contemptible in Jehovah's sight and rightly so.  Instead of feeding the flock, they fed themselves.  They failed to strengthen the sick, to heal the ailing, to bandage the broken, or to bring back the dispersed or the lost.  Acting more like wolves than shepherds, they tyrannized over the sheep.  The neglected sheep were scattered, aimlessly roaming with no one to care for them. -Jeremiah 23:1, 2; Nahum 3:18; Matthew 9:36.

Unlike those unfaithful shepherds, Christian shepherds follow Jehovah's example.  They help to lead the sheep to spiritual "grassy pastures" and "well-watered resting places."  They endeavor to direct  them "in the tracks of righteousness" by helping them to understand Jehovah's Word properly and to apply it personally.  They can do this effectively because they are "qualified to teach." -1 Timothy 3:2.

 Much of the elder's teaching is done from the platform during congregation  meetings.  However, elders also teach on a personal level.  Of course, some are better at teaching in a one-in-one situation, while others are more gifted at giving talks.  But a lesser degree of ability in one aspect of teaching does not necessarily disqualify someone as a teacher.  Elders teach, using all avenues open  to  them, including shepherding.  Some shepherding is done on a formal basis, for example,  on organized visits.  But much shepherding can also be done in a more informal way, which is also of great benefit.  

Next time: Shepherds and Teachers All the Time

The Watchtower, 2000

Proper Motivation

First-century Christians were admonished:  'Open wide your heart'!  (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) Christian elders do well to follow this advice in caring for their shepherding duties.  How can they do so? And what about ministerial servants, many of whom are prospective shepherds?

If Christian elders are to be a blessing to the flock, they must be motivated by more than a sense of duty.  They are counseled:  "Shepherd the flock of God in your care not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly."  (1 Peter 5:2) Effective shepherding therefore involves a willingness and an eagerness  to serve others.  (John 21:15-17) It means seeing the needs of the sheep and being quick to respond. It means demonstrating the fine Christian qualities known as the fruitage of God's spirit while dealing with others. -Galatians 5:22, 23.

Shepherding sometimes includes visiting brothers in their homes.  But shepherds who 'open wide their heart' to expend themselves.  That is to say, they do more than take advantage of every opportunity to shepherd others in the flock.

Next time: Training Others to Become Shepherds

The Watchtower, 2000

CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS,Open Wide Your Heart'!

"JEHOVAH is my Shepherd. I shall not lack nothing."  With those words, David expressed his complete confidence in his God.  Jehovah led him, spiritually speaking, to "grassy pastures" and "well-watered resting places," directing him  "in the track of righteousness." When surrounded by opposers, David received support and encouragement, prompting him to say to Jehovah:  "I fear nothing bad, for you are with me."  Having such a Supreme Shepherd, David was determined to "dwell in the house of Jehovah to the length of his days." -Psalm 23:1-6.

God's only-begotten Son also experienced the loving care of Jehovah, and he perfectly mirrored this care in his dealings with his disciples during his earthly sojourn.  The Scriptures therefore refer to him as "the fine shepherd," "the great shepherd," and "the chief shepherd." -John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:2-4.

Jehovah and Jesus Christ continue to shepherd those who love them.  Their shepherding funds expression, in part, in the loving provision of under shepherds in the congregation.  Paul addressed such under shepherds when he said:  "Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with eh blood of his own Son." -Acts 20:28.

Shepherding the flock in accordance with the pattern set by Jehovah and Christ Jesus is not easy task, but it is more vital now than ever before.  Think of the over one million Witnesses who have been baptized within the past three years! Such new ones do not have the spiritual background that come from years of activity.  Think, too, of those Witnesses who are still children or teenagers.  They need attention not only from their parents but also from the congregation's under shepherds.

Indeed, every Christian is subject to outside pressures, including peer pressure.  All must struggle to resist the strong pull to follow the world's path of self-indulgence.  In some countries, Kingdom publishers may be discourages because of the lack of response to their message.  Many publishers have serious  health problems.  Financial troubles may be robbing others of their incentive to seek the Kingdom first.  In truth, all of us -including those long in the truth-need and deserve the help of loving shepherds.

Next time: Proper Motivation

The Watchtower, 2000

Other Modern-Day Examples

Over the past few decades, countless others have shown themselves to be good example.  What of the thousands of self-sacrificing missionaries who have "left houses or brothers or sisters or fathers or mother or children or lands" to fulfill the Christian commission, too, the traveling overseers and their wives, the men and women who serve as volunteers at the offices of the Watchtower Society, and the pioneers who minister to the congregations.  Can such examples motivate others?  One Christian evangelizer in Asia recalls a missionary from the eighth class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. He said that this faithful brother was "willing to face the swarms of mosquitoes and the oppressive humidity. . .More impressive still was his ability to make presentations in both the Chinese and Mala languages though he was from England."   The effect of this fine example?  The brother said:  "His calmness and confidence inspired me to want to become a missionary when I grew up." Not surprisingly, this brother did become a missionary.

The Watchtower Publication Index contains a list of dozens of life stories that have appeared in the Watchtower and Awake!  magazines.  These stories tell of individuals who have forsaken worldly careers and goals, overcome weaknesses, made dramatic personality transformations, maintained a positive disposition in the face of adversity, and displayed industriousness, endurance,loyalty, humility, and a self-sacrificing spirit.  One reader wrote regarding these accounts:  "They make me a more humble and thankful Christian as I read what others have gone through, and they have helped me not to think too much of myself or be selfish." 
In addition, do not forget the fine examples in your own congregation: family heads who unfailingly care for both the material and spiritual needs of their families, sisters -including single mothers-who handle the pressures of child-rearing while still having an act9ive share in the ministry; aged and infirm ones who continue faithful in spite of increasing frailty and i9mpaired health. Are you not moved by such examples?

Granted, the world is full of bad examples.  (2 Timothy 3:13) Nevertheless,m consider Paul's exhortation to Christians living in Judea.  After recounting the exemplary behavior of many ancient men and women of faith, the apostle Paul urged them:  "So, then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let  us also . . .run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus." (Hebrews 12:1, 2) Christians today are also surrounded by a 'great cloud' of good examples-both ancient and modern-day. Are you truly benefiting from them? You can if you are determined to be "an imitator not of what is bad, but of what is good." -3 John 11.

Next time: CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS, Open Wide Your Heart'!

The Watchtower, 2000

"Examples to the Flock"

Are there individuals in the congregation today who can serve as examples for  us?  Certainly there are! Brothers in appointed positions of responsibility must especially set an example.  Paul told Titus, who served congregations in Crete and who appointed overseers, that each appointed elder must be a "man free from accusation."  (Titus 1:5, 6)  The apostle Peter similarly admonished "older men" To  become "examples to the flock."   (1 Peter 5:1-3)  And what about those serving as ministerial servants?  They must likewise be "men who minister in a  fine manner." -1 Timothy 3:13.

Of course, it is not realistic to expect that every elder or ministerial servant will be outstandingly skillful in every aspect of the Christian ministry.  Paul told the Christians in Rome: "We have gifts differing according to the undeserved kindness given to us."  (Romans 12:6)  Different brothers excel in different areas. It is not reasonable  to expect that elders will do and say everything in a perfect manner.  "We all stumble many times," says the Bible at James 3:2.  "If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also  its whole body."  In spite of their imperfections, however, elders can still, like Timothy,  "become  [examples] to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness." (1 Timothy 4:12) When elders do so, those in the flock will readily apply the admonition of Hebrews 13:7. "Remember those who are taking the lead among you,  . . .and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith."

Next time: Other Modern-Day Examples

The Watchtower, 2000

Jesus Christ-The Foremost Exemplar

Although Paul himself had set an example worthy of imitation, he did not fail to point to Jesus Christ as the primary example that Christians should follow.  (1 Thessalonians 1:6)  Christ was and is our foremost Exemplar.  The apostle Peter wrote:  "To this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely." -1 Peter 2:21.

However, Jesus finished his life as a human almost 2,000 years ago.  Now he "dwells in unapproachable light" as an immortal spirit creature.  As such, "not one of men has seen or can see" him.  (1 Timothy 6:16)  How, then, can we imitate?  One way is by studying the four Bible accounts of Jesus' life.  The Gospels provide insight into his personality, life course, and "mental attitude." (Philippians 2:5-8)  Additional insight can be gained by carefully studying the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, which discusses the events of Jesus' life in great detail and in chronological order.

Jesus' self-sacrificing example had a powerful effect on the apostle Paul. He told the Corinthians:  "For my part I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls."  (2 Corinthians 12:15)  What a Christlike attitude! As we contemplate Christ's perfect example, we too should be moved to imitate him in our own life course.

For instance, Jesus taught us that we should rely on God's promise to provide materially.  But he did more than that.  He demonstrated such faith and confidence in Jehovah on a daily basis. He said: "Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head."  (Matthew 6:25; 8:20) Do material concerns dominate your thinking and actions? Or does you life give evidence that you are seeking the Kingdom first? And what about your attitude toward Jehovah's service? Is it like that of our Exemplar, Jesus?  The Bible shows that Jesus did not simply preach zeal but demonstrated fiery zeal on many occasions.  (John 2:14-17)  Further, what a fine example Jesus set when it came to love! Why, he sacrificed his own life for his disciples!  (John 15:13) Are you imitating  Jesus by showing glove to your Christians brothers? Or do you allow the imperfection of some to hinder your love for them?

In our striving to follow Christ's example, we will often fall short.  But surely Jehovah is pleased by our efforts to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." -Romans 13:14.

Next time: "Examples to the Flock"

The Watchtower, 2000