“I Set the Pattern for You”

“You ought to be teachers in view of the time.”​—HEBREWS 5:12.

1. Why might the words of Hebrews 5:12 naturally cause a Christian to feel some measure of concern?

AS YOU read the inspired words of our theme text, do you feel a measure of concern about yourself? If so, you are not alone. As followers of Christ, we know that we must be teachers. (Matthew 28:19, 20) We know that the times in which we live make it urgent that we teach as well as we can. And we know that our teaching can even make a life-or-death difference to those whom we teach! (1 Timothy 4:16) Naturally, then, we may ask ourselves: ‘Am I really the teacher I ought to be? How can I improve?’

2, 3. (a) How did one teacher explain the foundation of good teaching? (b) Jesus set what pattern for us as to teaching?

² Such concerns need not discourage us. If we think of teaching solely in terms of some studied techniques, we might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of making improvements. The foundation of good teaching, though, is not technique but something far more important. Note what one experienced teacher wrote in a book on the subject: “Good teaching is not a matter of specific techniques or styles, plans or actions. . . . Teaching is primarily a matter of love.” Of course, his perspective was that of a secular teacher. Still, his point may be even more applicable to the teaching we do as Christians. How so?

³ Our Exemplar of a teacher is none other than Jesus Christ, who told his followers: “I set the pattern for you.” (John 13:15) He was referring to his example in showing humility, but the pattern Jesus set for us certainly includes his principal work as a man on earth​—that of teaching people the good news of God’s Kingdom. (Luke 4:43) Now, if you had to choose a single word to characterize Jesus’ ministry, you would likely select the word “love,” would you not? (Colossians 1:15; 1 John 4:8) Jesus’ love for his heavenly Father, Jehovah, was paramount. (John 14:31) As a teacher, though, Jesus manifested love in two additional ways. He loved the truths he taught, and he loved the people he taught. Let us focus more closely on these two aspects of the pattern he set for us.

A Long-Standing Love of Divine Truths

4. How did Jesus form a love for Jehovah’s teachings?

⁴ A teacher’s attitude toward his subject has a considerable bearing on the quality of his teaching. Any indifference will likely show and spread to his students. Jesus felt no apathy toward the precious truths he taught about Jehovah and His Kingdom. Jesus’ love for this subject was profound. He had formed that love as a student. Throughout the long ages of his prehuman existence, the only-begotten Son was an avid learner. Isaiah 50:4, 5 records these fitting words: “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. He awakens morning by morning; he awakens my ear to hear like the taught ones. 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.”

5, 6. (a) What experience did Jesus evidently have at his baptism, with what effect upon him? (b) What contrast do we find between Jesus and Satan as to using God’s Word?

⁵ While growing up as a human on earth, Jesus continued to love divine wisdom. (Luke 2:52) Then, at the time of his baptism, he went through a unique experience. “The heaven was opened up,” says Luke 3:21. Evidently, Jesus was then able to recall his prehuman existence. Thereafter he spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness. He must have found intense delight in meditating on the many heavenly sessions of instruction he had received from Jehovah. Before long, though, his love of God’s truths was put to the test.

⁶ When Jesus was fatigued and hungry, Satan sought to tempt him. What a contrast we find between these two sons of God! Both quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures​—but with a completely different spirit. Satan twisted God’s Word, disrespectfully using it to serve his own selfish ends. Really, that rebel had nothing but contempt for divine truths. On the other hand, Jesus quoted the Scriptures with obvious love, using God’s Word carefully in each reply. Jesus had been in existence long before those inspired words were first written down, yet he held them in reverence. They were precious truths from his heavenly Father! He told Satan that such words from Jehovah were more vital than food. (Matthew 4:1-11) Yes, Jesus loved all the truths that Jehovah had taught him. How, though, did he display that love as a teacher?

Love for the Truths He Taught

7. Why did Jesus refrain from inventing his own teachings?

⁷ Jesus’ love for the truths he taught was always apparent. After all, he might easily have developed his own ideas. He possessed a vast repository of knowledge and wisdom. (Colossians 2:3) Nevertheless, he reminded his listeners again and again that everything he taught originated, not with himself, but with his heavenly Father. (John 7:16; 8:28; 12:49; 14:10) He loved divine truths far too much to replace them with his own thinking.

8. At the start of his ministry, how did Jesus set a pattern of relying on God’s Word?

⁸ When Jesus began his public ministry, he quickly set a pattern. Consider the way he first declared to God’s people that he was the promised Messiah. Did he simply appear before crowds, proclaim himself Christ, and then perform spectacular miracles to prove his point? No. He went to a synagogue, where God’s people habitually read from the Scriptures. There he read aloud the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, 2 and explained that these prophetic truths applied to him. (Luke 4:16-22) His many miracles helped to establish that he had Jehovah’s backing. Still, he always relied on God’s Word in his teaching.

9. In his dealings with the Pharisees, how did Jesus show his loyal love for God’s Word?

⁹ When Jesus was challenged by religious opponents, he did not engage them in a duel of wits, although he could easily have outdone them in such a contest. Rather, he let God’s Word refute them. Recall, for instance, when the Pharisees charged that Jesus’ followers had violated the Sabbath law by plucking a few heads of grain in a field and eating them while passing through. Jesus replied: “Have you not read what David did when he and the men with him got hungry?” (Matthew 12:1-5) Of course, those self-righteous men may well have read that inspired account recorded at 1 Samuel 21:1-6. If so, they had failed to discern an important lesson that it contained. Jesus, however, had done more than read the account. He had thought about it and taken its message to heart. He loved the principles that Jehovah taught by means of that passage. So he used that account, as well as an example from the Mosaic Law, to reveal the balanced spirit of the Law. Similarly, Jesus’ loyal love moved him to defend God’s Word against the efforts of religious leaders to twist it to their own ends or bury it under a morass of human traditions.

10. How did Jesus fulfill prophecies regarding the quality of his teaching?

¹⁰ Jesus’ love of his subject would never allow him to teach merely by rote, in a manner that was tired or mechanical. Inspired prophecies had suggested that the Messiah would speak with ‘charm on his lips,’ using “words of elegance.” (Psalm 45:2; Genesis 49:21) Jesus fulfilled those prophecies by keeping his message fresh and alive, using “winsome words” as he taught the truths he so loved. (Luke 4:22) No doubt his enthusiasm animated his features, and his eyes shone with a lively interest in his subject. What a pleasure it must have been to listen to him, and what a fine pattern for us to follow when we talk to others about what we have learned!

11. Why did Jesus’ abilities as a teacher never cause him to become puffed up with pride?

¹¹ Did Jesus’ immense grasp of divine truths and his winning way with words induce him to become puffed up with pride? That often happens in the case of human teachers. Remember, though, that Jesus was wise in a godly way. Such wisdom does not allow for haughtiness, for “wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) There was something else that kept Jesus from turning proud or haughty.

Jesus Loved the People He Taught

12. How did Jesus show that he did not want his followers to feel intimidated by him?

¹² Jesus’ deep love for people always showed through in his teaching. His teaching was never intimidating to people, unlike that of prideful humans. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) After witnessing one of Jesus’ miracles, Peter was overwhelmed with astonishment, and he fell down at Jesus’ knees. But Jesus did not want his followers to be in morbid fear of him. He kindly said, “Stop being afraid” and then told Peter of the exciting work of disciple-making in which he would take part. (Luke 5:8-10) Jesus wanted his disciples to be moved by their own love of precious truths regarding God, not by dread of their instructor.

13, 14. In what ways did Jesus display empathy for people?

¹³ Jesus’ love for the people he taught was also evident in the empathy he felt for them. “On seeing the crowds he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) He felt for them in their miserable condition and was moved to help them.

¹⁴ Note Jesus’ empathy on another occasion. When a woman with a flow of blood approached him in a crowd and touched the fringe of his garment, she was miraculously healed. Jesus felt power flow from him, but he did not see who had been cured. He insisted on finding the woman. Why? Not to berate her for violating the Law or the rules of the scribes and Pharisees, as she might have feared. Rather, he said to her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be in good health from your grievous sickness.” (Mark 5:25-34) Note the empathy in those words. He did not merely say, “Be healed.” Rather, he said: “Be in good health from your grievous sickness.” Mark here uses a word that can literally mean “scourging,” a form of whipping often used as torture. Thus, Jesus acknowledged that her illness had caused her suffering, perhaps severe physical and emotional pain. He felt for her.

15, 16. What incidents in Jesus’ ministry demonstrate that he looked for the good in people?

¹⁵ Jesus also showed love for people by looking for the good in them. Consider what happened when he met Nathanael, who later became an apostle. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him: ‘See, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit.’” Miraculously, Jesus had looked into Nathanael’s heart, thereby learning much about him. Of course, Nathanael was far from perfect. He had his faults, as do all of us. In fact, when he heard about Jesus, he made a rather blunt remark: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:45-51) However, of all the things that could be said about Nathanael, Jesus chose something positive to focus on, the man’s honesty.

¹⁶ Similarly, when an army officer​—perhaps a Gentile, a Roman—​approached and asked Jesus to cure an ailing slave, Jesus knew that the soldier had faults. An army officer of those days would likely have a past littered with many acts of violence, bloodshed, and false worship. Yet, Jesus focused on something good​—the man’s outstanding faith. (Matthew 8:5-13) Later, when Jesus spoke to the evildoer who was hanging on the torture stake next to him, Jesus did not rebuke the man for his criminal past but encouraged him with a hope for the future. (Luke 23:43) Jesus knew well that taking a negative, critical view of others would only serve to discourage them. No doubt his efforts to find the good in others encouraged many to do even better.

Willingness to Serve People

17, 18. In accepting the assignment to come to earth, how did Jesus show a willingness to serve others?

¹⁷ Another powerful evidence of Jesus’ love for the people he taught was his willingness to serve them. In his prehuman life, God’s Son had always been fond of mankind. (Proverbs 8:30, 31) As Jehovah’s “Word,” or spokesman, he may have enjoyed many dealings with humans. (John 1:1) However, in part to teach mankind more directly, “he emptied himself and took a slave’s form,” leaving his lofty position in heaven. (Philippians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 8:9) While on earth, Jesus did not expect to be waited on and served. On the contrary, he said: “The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” (Matthew 20:28) Jesus fully lived up to those words.

¹⁸ Jesus humbly ministered to the needs of those he taught, readily expending himself in their behalf. He crisscrossed the Promised Land on foot, walking hundreds of miles on preaching tours in an effort to reach as many people as possible. Unlike the proud Pharisees and scribes, he remained humble and approachable. All manner of people​—dignitaries, soldiers, lawyers, women, children, the poor, the sick, even society’s outcasts—​approached him eagerly, unafraid. Though perfect, Jesus was human, subject to fatigue and hunger. Even when he was tired or was in need of rest or quiet time to pray, however, he put the needs of others ahead of his own.​—Mark 1:35-39.

19. How did Jesus set a pattern of dealing humbly, patiently, and kindly with his disciples?

¹⁹ Jesus was equally willing to serve his own disciples. He did so by teaching them kindly and patiently. When they were slow to grasp some vital lessons, he did not give up, lose his temper, or berate them. He continued to find new ways to get his point across. For example, just think of how often the disciples bickered over who was the greatest among them. Again and again, right up to the night before his execution, Jesus found new ways to teach them to deal humbly with one another. In this matter of humility, as in all other things, Jesus could rightly say: “I set the pattern for you.”​—John 13:5-15; Matthew 20:25; Mark 9:34-37.

20. What teaching method set Jesus apart from the Pharisees, and why was the method effective?

²⁰ Notice that Jesus did not merely tell the disciples what the pattern was; he “set the pattern.” He taught them by example. He did not speak down to them from a lofty height, as if considering himself above carrying out the things he was telling them to do. That was the way of the Pharisees. “They say but do not perform,” Jesus said of them. (Matthew 23:3) Jesus humbly showed his students exactly what his teachings meant by living them, putting them into practice. So when he urged his followers to lead a simple life unencumbered by materialism, they did not have to guess at what he meant. They could see the reality of his words: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.” (Matthew 8:20) Jesus served his disciples by humbly setting the pattern for them.

21. What will be considered in the next article?

²¹ Without question, Jesus was the greatest Teacher ever to walk the earth! His love for what he taught and his love for the people he taught were evident to all honesthearted ones who saw and heard him. It is just as evident to those of us today who study the pattern he set. How, though, can we follow Christ’s perfect example? The following article will take up that question.

“Follow Me Continually”

“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.

1, 2. Why is Jesus’ perfect example as a teacher not too lofty for us to imitate?

JESUS CHRIST was by far the greatest Teacher ever to walk the earth. Furthermore, he was perfect, never sinning during his whole life course as a man. (1 Peter 2:22) Does that mean, though, that Jesus’ example as a teacher is too lofty for us imperfect humans to imitate? Not at all.

² As we saw in the preceding article, the foundation of Jesus’ teaching was love. And love is something that all of us can cultivate. God’s Word often urges us to grow and improve in our love for others. (Philippians 1:9; Colossians 3:14) Jehovah never expects from his creatures what they are unable to do. In fact, since “God is love” and has made us in his own image, it can be said that he designed us to show love. (1 John 4:8; Genesis 1:27) So when we read the apostle Peter’s words recorded in our theme text, we may respond with confidence. We can follow Christ’s footsteps closely. In fact, we can obey Jesus’ own command: “Follow me continually.” (Luke 9:23) Let us consider how we may imitate the love Christ showed, first for the truths he taught, then for the people he taught.

Building Love for Truths We Learn

3. Why do some find it difficult to study, but what exhortation is found at Proverbs 2:1-5?

³ To love the truths that we teach others, we must love learning such truths ourselves. In today’s world, that sort of love does not always come easily. Such factors as deficient schooling and bad habits developed in youth leave many with an abiding dislike of studying. It is essential, however, that we learn from Jehovah. Proverbs 2:1-5 says: “My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment; if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, if you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God.”

4. What does it mean to “incline” the heart, and what viewpoint will help us to do so?

⁴ Notice that in verses 1 through 4, we are repeatedly urged to put forth effort not only to “receive” and “treasure up” but also to “keep seeking” and “keep searching.” What, though, is to motivate us to do all of this? Well, note the phrase “incline your heart to discernment.” One reference work says that this exhortation “is not an appeal for attention only; it is a demand for a certain attitude: an eager receptivity toward the teachings.” And what can make us receptive and eager to learn what Jehovah teaches us? Our viewpoint. We need to view “the very knowledge of God” as “silver” and as “hid treasures.”

5, 6. (a) What might happen in time, and how can we prevent that? (b) Why should we keep adding to the treasures of knowledge we have found in the Bible?

⁵ It is not hard to acquire such a viewpoint. For example, the “knowledge of God” that you have taken in likely includes the truth that Jehovah purposes that faithful mankind live forever in Paradise on earth. (Psalm 37:28, 29) When you first learned that truth, you no doubt viewed it as a genuine treasure, a piece of knowledge that filled your mind and heart with hope and joy. What about now? Over time, has appreciation for your treasure become faded or tarnished? Try, then, to do two things. First, renew your appreciation, that is, refresh your mind regularly as to why you value each truth that Jehovah has taught you, even those you learned many years ago.

⁶ Second, keep adding to your treasure. After all, if you happened to dig up a precious gem, would you simply pocket it and walk away contented? Or would you dig to see if there were more? God’s Word is full of gems and nuggets of truth. No matter how many you have found, you can find more. (Romans 11:33) As you unearth a nugget of truth, ask yourself: ‘What makes it a treasure? Does it give me deeper insight into Jehovah’s personality or his purposes? Does it offer some practical guidance that can help me to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?’ Meditating on such questions will help you to build up your love for the truths Jehovah has taught you.

Showing Love for Truths We Teach

7, 8. What are some ways in which we can show others that we love the truths we have learned from the Bible? Give an example.

⁷ As we teach others, how can we show that we love the truths we have learned from God’s Word? Following Jesus’ example, we rely heavily on the Bible in our preaching and teaching. In recent times, God’s people around the world have been encouraged to make greater use of the Bible in their public ministry. As you apply that suggestion, seek ways to let the householder know that you yourself value what you are sharing from the Bible.​—Matthew 13:52.

⁸ For example, in the wake of last year’s terrorist attack in New York City, one Christian sister was sharing Psalm 46:1, 11 with the people she met in her ministry. She first asked people how they were coping in the aftermath of the tragedy. She listened carefully to their response, acknowledged it, then said: “May I share a scripture with you that has really comforted me during this difficult time?” Very few refused, and many excellent discussions resulted. In talking with young people, the same sister often says: “I have been teaching the Bible for 50 years now, and do you know what? I have never come across a single problem that this book can’t help to solve.” By using a sincere, enthusiastic approach, we show people that we value and love what we have learned from God’s Word.​—Psalm 119:97, 105.

9, 10. Why is it important to use the Bible when replying to questions about our beliefs?

⁹ When people ask us questions about our beliefs, we have a choice opportunity to show that we love God’s Word. Following Jesus’ example, we do not simply base our answers on our own ideas. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) Rather, we make use of the Bible in replying. Do you fear that someone might ask you a question that you will not be able to answer? Consider two positive steps you can take.

¹⁰ Do what you can to be prepared. The apostle Peter wrote: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Are you ready to defend your beliefs? For example, if someone wants to know why you do not take part in some unscriptural custom or practice, do not be satisfied with saying, “It’s against my religion.” Such an answer may suggest that you let others make your decisions for you and that you must therefore be a member of a cult. It might be better to say, “God’s Word, the Bible, forbids it” or, “It would displease my God.” Then give a reasonable explanation as to why.​—Romans 12:1.

11. What research tool may help us to be ready to answer questions about the truths of God’s Word?

¹¹ If you feel unprepared, why not spend some time studying the book Reasoning From the Scriptures if it is available in your language?a Pick out a few subjects that seem likely to arise, and commit some Scriptural points to memory. Keep your Reasoning book and your Bible handy. Do not hesitate to use them both, saying that you have a research tool that you like to use to help find the Bible’s answer to questions.

12. How might we respond if we do not know the answer to a Bible question?

¹² Try not to worry unduly. No imperfect human has all the answers. So when asked a Bible question that you cannot answer, you can always reply to this effect: “Thank you for raising such an interesting question. To be honest, I don’t know the answer, but I’m sure the Bible addresses the matter. I love doing Bible research, so I’ll look into your question and get back to you.” Such a candid, modest approach may well pave the way for further discussions.​—Proverbs 11:2.

Love for the People We Teach

13. Why should we maintain a positive outlook regarding those to whom we preach?

¹³ Jesus showed love for the people he taught. How may we imitate him in this regard? Never should we develop a callous attitude toward the people around us. Granted, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty” is looming ever nearer, and many among mankind’s billions will be destroyed. (Revelation 16:14; Jeremiah 25:33) Yet, we do not know who will live and who will die. That judgment lies in the future and belongs to the one Jehovah has appointed, Jesus Christ. Until the judgment is passed, we view each individual as having the potential to become a servant of Jehovah.​—Matthew 19:24-26; 25:31-33; Acts 17:31.

14. (a) How might we examine ourselves as to whether we are empathetic toward people? (b) In what practical ways may we show empathy and personal interest in others?

¹⁴ Like Jesus, then, we seek to empathize with people. We may ask ourselves: ‘Do I feel for people who have been deceived by the clever lies and deceptions of this world’s religious, political, and commercial elements? If they seem apathetic toward the message we bring them, do I seek to understand why they feel as they do? Do I recognize that I, or others currently serving Jehovah faithfully, once felt similarly? Have I adapted my approach accordingly? Or do I dismiss these people as being beyond hope?’ (Revelation 12:9) When people sense our genuine empathy, they are more likely to respond to our message. (1 Peter 3:8) Empathy may also move us to take more of an interest in the people we meet in our ministry. We might take note of their questions and concerns. When we return, we may show them that we have been thinking about remarks they made on a previous visit. And if they have some pressing need at the moment, we may be in a position to offer some practical help.

15. Why should we look for the good in people, and how might we do so?

¹⁵ Like Jesus, we look for the good in people. Perhaps a single parent is making an admirable effort to raise her children. A man is struggling to support his family. An elderly person shows an interest in spiritual matters. Do we notice such factors in the people we meet and commend them accordingly? In doing so, we stress the common ground between us and may open the way for giving a witness about the Kingdom.​—Acts 26:2, 3.

Humility Essential in Showing Love

16. Why is it important to remain mild and respectful toward those to whom we preach?

¹⁶ Love for the people we teach will move us to heed the Bible’s wise warning: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1) Jesus had great knowledge, yet he was never overbearing. So as you share your beliefs, avoid an argumentative tone or an air of superiority. Our goal is to reach hearts and attract people to the truths we so love. (Colossians 4:6) Remember, when Peter counseled Christians to be ready to make a defense, he included the reminder that we should do so “together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) If we are mild and respectful, we are more likely to draw people to the God we serve.

17, 18. (a) How should we respond to critical attitudes about our qualifications as ministers? (b) Why is a knowledge of ancient Biblical languages not essential for Bible students?

¹⁷ There is no need to impress people with our knowledge or education. If some in your territory refuse to listen to anyone who does not have certain university degrees or titles, do not let their attitude discourage you. Jesus paid no heed to the objection that he had not attended the prestigious rabbinic schools of his day; nor did he bow to popular prejudices by trying to impress people with his vast learning.​—John 7:15.

¹⁸ Humility and love are far more important to Christian ministers than is any amount of secular education. The Great Educator, Jehovah, qualifies us for the ministry. (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6) And regardless of what some of Christendom’s clergy say, we do not need to learn ancient Biblical languages in order to become teachers of God’s Word. Jehovah inspired the Bible to be written in such clear, concrete terms that virtually everyone can grasp its precious truths. Those truths remain intact even when translated into hundreds upon hundreds of languages. So a knowledge of ancient languages, while occasionally useful, is not essential. Furthermore, pride in having linguistic ability can cause one to lose a trait that is essential to true Christians​—teachableness.​—1 Timothy 6:4.

19. In what sense is our Christian ministry a service?

¹⁹ There can be no doubt that our Christian ministry is a work that requires a humble attitude. We regularly expose ourselves to opposition, indifference, even persecution. (John 15:20) Yet, by faithfully carrying out our ministry, we are performing a vital service. If we keep humbly serving others in this work, we are imitating the love Jesus Christ showed toward people. Consider: If we had to preach to a thousand indifferent or opposed people in order to reach a single sheeplike individual, would that not be worth the effort? Certainly! So by persisting in the work, never giving up, we are faithfully serving the sheeplike ones we have yet to reach. No doubt Jehovah and Jesus will make sure that many more such precious individuals will be found and helped before the end comes.​—Haggai 2:7.

20. What are some ways in which we may teach by example?

²⁰ Teaching by example is another way to show our willingness to serve others. For instance, we want to teach people that serving Jehovah, “the happy God,” is the best, most fulfilling way of life possible. (1 Timothy 1:11) As they observe our conduct and our dealings with our neighbors, schoolmates, and workmates, can they see that we are happy and fulfilled? Similarly, we teach Bible students that the Christian congregation is an oasis of love in a cold, fierce world. Can our students readily see that we love all in the congregation and work hard at preserving peace with one another?​—1 Peter 4:8.

21, 22. (a) Self-examination regarding our ministry can lead us to take advantage of what opportunities? (b) What will be discussed in articles in the next issue of The Watchtower?

²¹ A willing attitude toward our ministry may, at times, motivate us to reexamine ourselves. Doing so honestly, many find that they are in a position to expand their service by taking up the full-time ministry or by moving to serve where the need is greater. Others have decided to learn a foreign language to serve a growing immigrant community right in their home territory. If such options are open to you, give them careful and prayerful consideration. A life of service brings great joy, satisfaction, and peace of mind.​—Ecclesiastes 5:12.

²² By all means, let us continue to imitate Jesus Christ by building up our love for the truths we teach and for the people we teach. Developing and manifesting love in these two respects will help us to lay a fine foundation for being Christlike teachers. How, though, can we build upon that foundation? In the next issue of The Watchtower, a series of articles will discuss some of the specific teaching methods that Jesus used.