Jehovah​—A God Who Teaches

“They will all be taught by Jehovah.”​—JOHN 6:45.

1. What is Jesus now doing in Capernaum?

JESUS CHRIST had recently performed miracles and is now seen teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, near the Sea of Galilee. (John 6:1-21, 59) Many express disbelief when he says: “I have come down from heaven.” They murmur: “Is this not Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it that now he says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” (John 6:38, 42) Rebuking them, Jesus proclaims: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him; and I will resurrect him in the last day.”​—John 6:44.

2. What basis is there for believing Jesus’ promise about the resurrection?

² What a marvelous promise​—to be resurrected in the last day, when God’s Kingdom rules! We can believe this promise because it is backed up by the Father, Jehovah God. (Job 14:13-15; Isaiah 26:19) Indeed, Jehovah, who teaches that the dead will rise, is “the greatest teacher of all.” (Job 36:22, Today’s English Version) Focusing on the Father’s teaching, Jesus next says: “It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by Jehovah.’”​—John 6:45.

3. What questions will we consider?

³ Surely, it would be a privilege to be among those of whom the prophet Isaiah wrote: “All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah.” (Isaiah 54:13) Can we be? Who have been like sons to him and have received his teachings? What are vital teachings of Jehovah that we must know and act upon to receive his blessing? How did Jehovah teach in the past, and does he teach the same way today? These are questions we will consider.

Father, Teacher, Husband

4. Who were the first of Jehovah’s sons to receive his teachings?

⁴ Jehovah first became both Father and Teacher when he created his only-begotten Son, the prehuman Jesus. This one is called “the Word” because he is Jehovah’s Chief Spokesman. (John 1:1, 14; 3:16) The Word served “beside [the Father] as a master worker,” and he learned well from his Father’s teaching. (Proverbs 8:22, 30) In fact, he became the Agent, or instrumentality, through whom the Father created all other things, including spirit “sons of God.” How they must have rejoiced to be taught by God! (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Colossians 1:15-17) Later, the first human, Adam, was created. He too was a “son of God,” and the Bible reveals that Jehovah instructed him.​—Luke 3:38; Genesis 2:7, 16, 17.

5. What precious privilege was lost by Adam, yet whom did Jehovah teach, and why?

⁵ Sadly, Adam, by his willful disobedience, lost the privilege of continuing to be God’s son. His descendants, therefore, could not claim the relationship of being sons of God simply on the basis of birth. Yet, Jehovah taught imperfect humans who looked to him for guidance. Noah, for example, proved to be “a righteous man” who “walked with the true God,” and so Jehovah instructed Noah. (Genesis 6:9, 13–Ge 6:13 through 7:5) By his obedience, Abraham proved himself to be “Jehovah’s friend,” and therefore he also was taught by Jehovah.​—James 2:23; Genesis 12:1-4; 15:1-8; 22:1, 2.

6. Whom did Jehovah come to view as his “son,” and what kind of teacher was he to them?

⁶ Much later, during Moses’ day, Jehovah entered into a covenant relationship with the nation of Israel. As a result, that nation became his chosen people and was viewed as his “son.” God said: “Israel is my son.” (Exodus 4:22, 23; 19:3-6; Deuteronomy 14:1, 2) Based on that covenant relationship, the Israelites could say, as recorded by the prophet Isaiah: “You, O Jehovah, are our Father.” (Isaiah 63:16) Jehovah assumed his fatherly responsibility and lovingly taught his children, Israel. (Psalm 71:17; Isaiah 48:17, 18) In fact, when they became unfaithful, he mercifully pleaded with them: “Return, O you renegade sons.”​—Jeremiah 3:14.

7. What relationship did Israel have with Jehovah?

⁷ As a consequence of the covenant relationship with Israel, Jehovah also figuratively became the Husband of the nation, and it became his figurative wife. Of her the prophet Isaiah wrote: “Your Grand Maker is your husbandly owner, Jehovah of armies being his name.” (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 31:32) Although Jehovah honorably fulfilled his role as Husband, the nation of Israel became an unfaithful wife. “As a wife has treacherously gone from her companion,” Jehovah said, “so you, O house of Israel, have dealt treacherously with me.” (Jeremiah 3:20) Jehovah kept appealing to the sons of his faithless wife; he continued to be their “Grand Instructor.”​—Isaiah 30:20; 2 Chronicles 36:15.

8. Even though Israel as a nation was cast off by Jehovah, what antitypical figurative wife does he yet have?

⁸ When Israel rejected and killed His Son, Jesus Christ, God finally rejected her. So no longer was that Jewish nation a figurative wife to him, nor was he the Father and Teacher of her wayward sons. (Matthew 23:37, 38) However, Israel was only a typical, or symbolic, wife. The apostle Paul quoted Isaiah 54:1, which speaks of a “barren woman” who is different and distinct from “the woman with a husbandly owner,” the nation of natural Israel. Paul reveals that anointed Christians are children of the “barren woman,” whom he calls “Jerusalem above.” This antitypical figurative woman consists of God’s heavenly organization of spirit creatures.​—Galatians 4:26, 27.

9. (a) Who was Jesus referring to when he spoke of ‘your sons being taught by Jehovah’? (b) On what basis do people become spiritual sons of God?

⁹ Thus, in the Capernaum synagogue, when Jesus quoted Isaiah’s prophecy: “All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah,” he was speaking about those who would become “sons” of “Jerusalem above,” God’s wifelike heavenly organization. By accepting the teachings of God’s representative from heaven, Jesus Christ, those Jewish listeners could become children of God’s previously barren heavenly woman and make up “a holy nation,” the spiritual “Israel of God.” (1 Peter 2:9, 10; Galatians 6:16) Describing the grand opportunity that Jesus made available for becoming spiritual sons of God, the apostle John wrote: “He came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in. However, as many as did receive him, to them he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name.”​—John 1:11, 12.

Vital Teachings of Jehovah

10. Immediately after the rebellion in Eden, what did Jehovah teach regarding the “seed,” and who did this Seed prove to be?

¹⁰ Jehovah, as a loving Father, informs his children of his purposes. Thus, when a rebel angel induced the first human pair to disobey, Jehovah immediately gave notice of what he would do to fulfill his purpose to make the earth a paradise. He said that he would put hatred between “the original serpent,” who is Satan the Devil, “and the woman.” He then explained that the woman’s “seed” would bruise Satan fatally, “in the head.” (Genesis 3:1-6, 15; Revelation 12:9; 20:9, 10) As we have noted, the woman​—later identified as “Jerusalem above”—​is God’s heavenly organization of spirit creatures. But who is her “seed”? He is God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the one sent from heaven and the one who will eventually destroy Satan.​—Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8.

11, 12. How did Jehovah expand on his vital teaching regarding the “seed”?

¹¹ Jehovah expanded on this vital teaching regarding the “seed” when he promised Abraham: “I shall surely multiply your seed like the stars of the heavens . . . And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves.” (Genesis 22:17, 18) Jehovah used the apostle Paul to explain that Jesus Christ is the promised Seed of Abraham but that others would also become part of the “seed.” “If you belong to Christ,” Paul wrote, “you are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise.”​—Galatians 3:16, 29.

¹² Jehovah also revealed that Christ, the Seed, would come from the royal lineage of Judah and that to him “the obedience of the peoples will belong.” (Genesis 49:10) Regarding King David of the tribe of Judah, Jehovah promised: “I shall certainly set up his seed forever and his throne as the days of heaven. His seed itself will prove to be even to time indefinite, and his throne as the sun in front of me.” (Psalm 89:3, 4, 29, 36) When the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus, he explained that the child was God’s appointed Ruler, the Seed of David. “This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,” Gabriel said, “and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, . . . and there will be no end of his kingdom.”​—Luke 1:32, 33; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Daniel 7:13, 14.

13. To receive Jehovah’s blessing, how must we respond to his teaching?

¹³ In order to receive Jehovah’s blessing, we must know and act upon this vital teaching about God’s Kingdom. We must believe that Jesus came down from heaven, that he is God’s appointed King​—the royal Seed who will oversee the restoration of Paradise on earth—​and that he will resurrect the dead. (Luke 23:42, 43; John 18:33-37) In Capernaum when Jesus spoke about resurrecting the dead, it should have been evident to the Jews that he spoke the truth. Why, only a few weeks before, probably right there in Capernaum, he had resurrected the 12-year-old daughter of a presiding officer of the synagogue! (Luke 8:49-56) Surely we too have every reason to believe and act in harmony with Jehovah’s hope-inspiring teaching regarding his Kingdom!

14, 15. (a) How important is Jehovah’s Kingdom to Jesus? (b) What do we need to understand and be able to explain about Jehovah’s Kingdom?

¹⁴ Jesus devoted his earthly life to teaching about Jehovah’s Kingdom. He made it the theme of his ministry, and he even instructed his followers to pray for it. (Matthew 6:9, 10; Luke 4:43) Natural Jews were in line to be “sons of the kingdom,” but because of lack of faith, most of them lost out on that privilege. (Matthew 8:12; 21:43) Jesus revealed that only a “little flock” receive the privilege of becoming “sons of the kingdom.” These “sons” become “joint heirs with Christ” in his heavenly Kingdom.​—Luke 12:32; Matthew 13:38; Romans 8:14-17; James 2:5.

¹⁵ How many kingdom heirs will Christ take to heaven to rule with him over the earth? Only 144,000, according to the Bible. (John 14:2, 3; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; 14:1-3; 20:4) But Jesus said he had “other sheep,” who will be earthly subjects of that Kingdom rule. These will enjoy perfect health and peace forever on a paradise earth. (John 10:16; Psalm 37:29; Revelation 21:3, 4) We need to understand and be able to explain Jehovah’s teaching about the Kingdom.

16. What vital teaching of Jehovah do we need to learn and practice?

¹⁶ The apostle Paul identified another vital teaching of Jehovah. He said: “You yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9) To please Jehovah, we need to demonstrate such love. “God is love,” the Bible says, and we must imitate his example of showing love. (1 John 4:8; Ephesians 5:1, 2) Sadly, most people have failed miserably to learn to love their fellow humans as God teaches us to do. What about us? Have we responded to this teaching of Jehovah?

17. Whose attitude should we imitate?

¹⁷ It is vital that we be receptive to all of Jehovah’s teachings. May our attitude be that of the Bible psalmists who wrote: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me.” “Teach me your regulations. Teach me goodness, sensibleness and knowledge themselves . . . Teach me your own judicial decisions.” (Psalm 25:4, 5; 119:12, 66, 108) If your sentiments are the same as those of the psalmists, you can be among a vast crowd who are taught by Jehovah.

Great Crowd of Taught Ones

18. What did the prophet Isaiah foretell would occur in our time?

¹⁸ The prophet Isaiah foretold what would happen in our time: “It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains . . . And many peoples will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways.’” (Isaiah 2:2, 3; Micah 4:2) Who are these persons taught by Jehovah?

19. Who today are included among those taught by Jehovah?

¹⁹ They include others besides those who will rule in heaven with Christ. As noted earlier, Jesus said he had “other sheep”​—earthly subjects of the Kingdom—​in addition to the “little flock” of Kingdom heirs. (John 10:16; Luke 12:32) The “great crowd,” who survive “the great tribulation,” are of the other sheep class, and they enjoy an approved standing before Jehovah on the basis of their faith in Jesus’ shed blood. (Revelation 7:9, 14) Even though the other sheep are not directly included among the “sons” spoken of at Isaiah 54:13, they are blessed with being taught by Jehovah. Therefore, they properly address God as “Father” because he will, in effect, be their Grandfather through the “Eternal Father,” Jesus Christ.​—Matthew 6:9; Isaiah 9:6.

How Jehovah Teaches

20. In what ways does Jehovah teach?

²⁰ Jehovah teaches in many ways. For example, he does so by means of his creative works, which testify both to his existence and to his great wisdom. (Job 12:7-9; Psalm 19:1, 2; Romans 1:20) In addition, he teaches by direct communication, as he did in instructing the prehuman Jesus. Similarly, on three recorded occasions, he spoke directly from heaven to people on earth.​—Matthew 3:17; 17:5; John 12:28.

21. What angel did Jehovah particularly use as his representative, but how do we know that others also were used?

²¹ Jehovah also uses angelic representatives to teach, including his Firstborn, “the Word.” (John 1:1-3) Although Jehovah could have spoken directly to his perfect human son, Adam, in the garden of Eden, likely he used the prehuman Jesus to speak for Him. (Genesis 2:16, 17) This one was probably “the angel of the true God who was going ahead of the camp of Israel” and regarding whom Jehovah commanded: “Obey his voice.” (Exodus 14:19; 23:20, 21) No doubt the prehuman Jesus was also the “prince of the army of Jehovah” who appeared to Joshua to strengthen him. (Joshua 5:14, 15) Jehovah also uses other angels to impart his teachings, such as those he used to deliver his Law to Moses.​—Exodus 20:1; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2, 3.

22. (a) Who on earth has Jehovah used to teach? (b) What is the primary means by which Jehovah instructs humans today?

²² In addition, Jehovah God uses human representatives to teach. Parents in Israel were to teach their children; prophets, priests, princes, and Levites taught Jehovah’s Law to the nation. (Deuteronomy 11:18-21; 1 Samuel 12:20-25; 2 Chronicles 17:7-9) Jesus was God’s principal Spokesman on earth. (Hebrews 1:1, 2) Jesus often said that what he taught was precisely what he had learned from the Father, so his listeners were, in effect, being taught by Jehovah. (John 7:16; 8:28; 12:49; 14:9, 10) Jehovah has had his sayings recorded, and in our day he teaches humans primarily by means of these inspired Scriptures.​—Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16.

23. What questions will be considered in the next article?

²³ We are living in important times, since the Scriptures promise that ‘in the final part of the days [in which we are living] many peoples will be instructed about Jehovah’s ways.’ (Isaiah 2:2, 3) How is this instruction provided? What must we do to benefit from, as well as share in, Jehovah’s grand teaching program now in progress? We will consider such questions in the next article.

Taught by Jehovah Down Till This Day

“Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones.”​—ISAIAH 50:4.

1, 2. (a) For what did Jehovah prepare his favorite pupil, and what was the result? (b) How did Jesus acknowledge the Source of his teachings?

JEHOVAH GOD has been a Teacher ever since he became a Father. Some time after certain of his children rebelled, he prepared his favorite pupil, his Firstborn, for a ministry on earth. (Proverbs 8:30) Isaiah chapter 50 prophetically presents this pupil as saying: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones, that I may know how to answer the tired one with a word.” (Isaiah 50:4) As a result of applying his Father’s teaching while on earth, Jesus was a source of refreshment to all those who were ‘tired and loaded down.’​—Matthew 11:28-30.

² Jesus did many powerful works during the first century. He opened the eyes of the blind and even raised the dead, yet he was primarily known by his contemporaries as a teacher. His followers as well as his opposers called him that. (Matthew 8:19; 9:11; 12:38; 19:16; John 3:2) Jesus never took credit for what he taught but humbly acknowledged: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me.” “Just as the Father taught me I speak these things.”​—John 7:16; 8:28; 12:49.

Ideal Teacher-Pupil Relationship

3. How does Isaiah’s prophecy indicate Jehovah’s interest in those whom he teaches?

³ A superior teacher takes a personal, conscientious, and loving interest in his pupils. Isaiah chapter 50 reveals that Jehovah God has that kind of interest in those whom he teaches. “He awakens morning by morning,” the prophecy notes, “he awakens my ear to hear like the taught ones.” (Isaiah 50:4) The language here suggests an instructor who awakens his pupils early in the morning so as to teach them. Commenting on the application of the prophecy, one Bible scholar observed: “The idea is, that the Redeemer would be . . . one who was, so to speak, in the school of God; and who would be qualified to impart instruction to others. . . . The Messiah would be eminently qualified, by Divine teaching, to be the instructor of mankind.”

4. How did Jesus respond to his Father’s teaching?

⁴ Ideally, pupils are responsive to the teaching of their instructor. How did Jesus respond to his Father’s teaching? His response was in line with what we read at Isaiah 50:5: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has opened my ear, and I, for my part, was not rebellious. I did not turn in the opposite direction.” Yes, Jesus was eager to learn. He was, as the saying goes, all ears. More than that, he was willing to do whatever his Father asked of him. He was not rebellious; rather, he said: “Let, not my will, but yours take place.”​—Luke 22:42.

5. (a) What indicates that Jesus knew in advance the trials he would suffer on earth? (b) How was the prophecy at Isaiah 50:6 fulfilled?

⁵ The prophecy indicates that the Son was informed of the potential consequences of his doing God’s will. This is shown by what the taught one says: “My back I gave to the strikers, and my cheeks to those plucking off the hair. My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit.” (Isaiah 50:6) As the prophecy indicates, Jesus was treated cruelly on earth. “They spit into his face,” the apostle Matthew wrote. “Others slapped him in the face.” (Matthew 26:67) This occurred at the hands of religious leaders on Passover night of 33 C.E. The following day Jesus gave his back to the strikers, as the Roman soldiers beat him mercilessly before hanging him on a stake to die.​—John 19:1-3, 16-23.

6. What shows that Jesus never lost confidence in his Teacher, and how was his confidence rewarded?

⁶ The Son, well schooled in advance, never lost confidence in his Teacher. This is shown by what he says next according to the prophecy: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me. That is why I shall not have to feel humiliated.” (Isaiah 50:7) Jesus’ confidence in his Teacher’s help was richly rewarded. His Father exalted him, blessing him with a superior position above that of all other servants of God. (Philippians 2:5-11) Grand blessings are in store for us too if we obediently adhere to Jehovah’s teaching and do not “turn in the opposite direction.” Let us look at how that teaching has been made available down to our day.

An Expanded Teaching Program

7. How has Jehovah carried on his teaching in the earth?

⁷ As we noted earlier, Jehovah used his earthly Representative, Jesus Christ, to carry out divine teaching during the first century. (John 16:27, 28) Jesus constantly pointed to God’s Word as the authority for his teaching, setting the example for those whom he taught. (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; 21:13; 26:24, 31) Afterward, Jehovah’s teaching was carried on in the earth by means of the ministry of such taught ones. Recall that Jesus commanded them: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) When disciples were made, these became part of “God’s household, . . . the congregation of the living God.” (1 Timothy 3:15) They were also formed into individual congregations in which they were taught by Jehovah. (Acts 14:23; 15:41; 16:5; 1 Corinthians 11:16) Has divine teaching in that way continued down till our day?

8. How did Jesus indicate that the preaching work would be directed on earth before the end would come?

⁸ Indeed, it has! Three days before his death, Jesus foretold that before the end of this system of things, there would be a great preaching work. “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations,” he said, “and then the end will come.” Jesus went on to describe the means by which this worldwide preaching and teaching program would be directed. He spoke of “the faithful and discreet slave” that would serve as a channel, or instrument, to provide His servants with spiritual food. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47) Jehovah God has used this “slave” to oversee Kingdom interests throughout the earth.

9. Who make up the faithful and discreet slave?

⁹ Today, the faithful and discreet slave is made up of the remnant of Kingdom heirs. These are anointed Christians, the remaining ones on earth of the 144,000, who “belong to Christ” and who are part of “Abraham’s seed.” (Galatians 3:16, 29; Revelation 14:1-3) How can you identify the faithful and discreet slave? Particularly by the work they do and by their close adherence to God’s Word, the Bible.

10. What instruments are used by the slave class to promote Jehovah’s teachings?

¹⁰ Jehovah uses this “slave” as his means of teaching people today. Those of the slave class adopted the name Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931. Since then millions have associated with them and have accepted that name and joined in proclaiming God’s Kingdom. This magazine, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom, is the principal instrument employed by the “slave” in the teaching work. However, other publications are also used, including books, booklets, brochures, tracts, and the Awake! magazine.

11. What schools has the “slave” sponsored, and what purpose does each of these schools serve?

¹¹ In addition, the “slave” sponsors various schools. These include the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, which is a five-month course that prepares young ministers for foreign missionary service, and the two-month Ministerial Training School course, which trains unmarried elders and ministerial servants for special theocratic assignments. There is also the Kingdom Ministry School, in which Christian elders and ministerial servants are periodically instructed in their congregational responsibilities, and the Pioneer Service School, which equips full-time evangelizers to become more effective in their preaching activity.

12. What is a weekly feature of the teaching program?

¹² Another feature of the teaching program is the five weekly meetings held in the more than 75,500 congregations of Jehovah’s people worldwide. Do you benefit as fully as possible from these meetings? By your attentiveness to the instruction given, do you show that you really believe that you are, as it were, in the school of God? Does your spiritual progress make it obvious to others that you have “the tongue of the taught ones”?​—Isaiah 50:4; 1 Timothy 4:15, 16.

Taught at Congregation Meetings

13. (a) What is an important way that Jehovah teaches his people today? (b) How can we show our appreciation for The Watchtower?

¹³ Jehovah particularly teaches his people by means of a weekly study of the Bible, using The Watchtower as a teaching aid. Do you view this meeting as a place where you can be taught by Jehovah? Although Isaiah 50:4 applies primarily to Jesus, it can also apply to all those who avail themselves of God’s provisions to receive “the tongue of the taught ones.” One way you can show that you treasure The Watchtower is by reading each issue as soon as possible after you receive it. Then, when The Watchtower is studied in the congregation, you can show your appreciation to Jehovah by being present and also by being prepared to make a public declaration of your hope.​—Hebrews 10:23.

14. (a) Why is commenting at meetings such an important privilege? (b) What kind of comments by youngsters are most encouraging?

¹⁴ Do you appreciate that by your comments at meetings, you can have a part in Jehovah’s grand teaching program? No question about it, commenting at meetings is an important way that we can incite one another “to love and fine works.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Can children have a part in this program of instruction as well? Yes, they can. Heartfelt comments by young ones are often encouraging to older ones. At times, newer ones at our meetings have been motivated by the comments of children to take a more serious interest in Bible truth. Some youngsters make it a habit to read their comments directly from the paragraph or repeat after an adult who is whispering in their ear. However, it is most encouraging when their comments are well prepared. Such commenting truly brings honor to our Grand Instructor and his exalted program of teaching.​—Isaiah 30:20, 21.

15. What can parents do to help children comment more effectively?

¹⁵ It is a joy to see children wanting to share in praising our God. Jesus appreciated expressions of praise from young ones. (Matthew 21:15, 16) One Christian elder observes: “When I was a child, I wanted to comment at the Watchtower Study. After helping me prepare a comment, my father would require that I practice the comment at least seven times.” Possibly during your family Bible study, you parents could help your children prepare comments in their own words on selected paragraphs in The Watchtower. Help them appreciate the great privilege they have of sharing in Jehovah’s teaching program.

16. What has been the benefit of the Theocratic Ministry School, and who may enroll in the school?

¹⁶ The teaching at other Christian meetings should also be given serious consideration, both by those privileged to deliver the information and by those who listen to the instruction presented. For over 50 years now, Jehovah has used the weekly Theocratic Ministry School to train millions of men and women to present the Kingdom message more effectively. Those who are actively associated with the congregation may enroll, including people who have recently started to attend the meetings, as long as they are leading a life that is in harmony with Christian principles.

17. (a) For what purpose particularly was the Public Meeting established? (b) What are matters public speakers should keep in mind?

¹⁷ Another longtime feature of the teaching program is the Public Meeting. As its name indicates, this meeting was established particularly to acquaint non-Witnesses with basic Bible teachings. Thus, the one giving the talk needs to present the information so that it is understandable to those hearing the message for the first time. This means explaining terms such as “other sheep,” “brothers,” and “remnant,” terms that non-Witnesses may not understand. Since people who attend the Public Meeting may have beliefs or life-styles that are quite contrary to the Scriptures​—though acceptable in today’s society—​the speaker should always be tactful and never make fun of such beliefs or life-styles.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

18. What other weekly congregation meetings are there, and what purposes do they serve?

¹⁸ The Congregation Book Study is a meeting at which publications prepared under the direction of the faithful and discreet slave are studied each week along with the Bible. The book Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! is the one currently being studied in many lands. The Service Meeting is designed to equip Jehovah’s people to have a full share in preaching the Kingdom good news and to make disciples.​—Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 13:10.

Taught at Larger Meetings

19. What larger gatherings does the “slave” arrange each year?

¹⁹ For over a hundred years, the ‘faithful slave’ has arranged conventions and assemblies for the teaching and special encouragement of true Christians. Three such larger meetings are now held each year. There is the one-day assembly that is attended by a group of congregations that make up a circuit. During the year, each circuit also has a two-day gathering called a circuit assembly. In addition, there is a gathering called a district convention, attended by a number of circuits. In some years there may be international conventions. These large gatherings with guest Witnesses from many countries are truly faith strengthening for Jehovah’s people!​—Compare Deuteronomy 16:16.

20. What has been consistently emphasized at larger gatherings of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

²⁰ In 1922, when some 10,000 met in Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., the delegates were inspired by the speaker’s encouragement: “This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.” Such large conventions have consistently placed emphasis on the preaching work. For example, at the international convention in New York City in 1953, announcement was made about the institution of a house-to-house training program in all congregations. The implementation of it had a very positive effect on the Kingdom preaching in many lands.

Taught by God to Teach

21. What privilege do we want to accept, not missing its purpose?

²¹ Surely, Jehovah has a marvelous teaching program in the earth today! All who take advantage of it can be taught by God, yes, can be among those who have been given “the tongue of the taught ones.” What a privilege to be, as it were, in the school of God! Yet, when accepting this privilege, we must not miss its purpose. Jehovah taught Jesus so that he could teach others, and Jesus taught his disciples so that they could do the same work as he was doing but on an even greater scale. Similarly, we are being trained in Jehovah’s grand teaching program for the purpose of teaching others.​—John 6:45; 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21; 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:2.

22. (a) What problem did Moses and Jeremiah have, but how was it solved? (b) What assurance can we have that God will see to it that the Kingdom preaching is accomplished?

²² Do you say, as did Moses, “I am not a fluent speaker,” or as Jeremiah said, “I actually do not know how to speak”? Jehovah will help you as he helped them. “I myself shall prove to be with your mouth,” he told Moses. And to Jeremiah he said: “Do not be afraid . . . I am with you.” (Exodus 4:10-12; Jeremiah 1:6-8) When religious leaders wanted to silence his disciples, Jesus said: “If these remained silent, the stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40) But the stones did not have to cry out then, and they do not need to now because Jehovah is using the tongue of his taught ones to deliver his Kingdom message.