Watchtower Study, Let Us Seek the City That Will Last, Week of July 28-August 3, 2025, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, Let Us Seek the City That Will Last, July 28-August 3, 2025, Comments and Responses.

“We are earnestly seeking the [city] that is to come” (Heb. 13:14).

1. What did Jesus predict would happen to Jerusalem in the first century?

Jesus predicted that Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies and that his disciples should flee as soon as they saw this. This prophecy was fulfilled in the first century, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, confirming the truth of his words.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jesus' prophecy teaches us the importance of quickly heeding his warnings to receive protection, as first-century Christians did.

Jesus warned that they would see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies. He told them that those in Judea should flee to the mountains, that those in the countryside should not return to Jerusalem, and that those in Jerusalem should leave. These were very specific and clear instructions.

2. What did the apostle Paul say to the Christians of Judea and Jerusalem?

Paul told the Christians in Judea and Jerusalem that they had no lasting city, but that they should earnestly seek the one to come. This message was very important because it helped them prepare for the destruction of Jerusalem. Paul was advising them to be willing to leave their homes and businesses behind if they wanted to survive what was coming.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This message from Paul is a powerful reminder that Christians should not place their trust in temporal things like cities, possessions, or earthly riches. Instead, they should focus their hearts on the eternal rewards Jehovah has promised.

He told them that they had no city that would last, but that they must earnestly seek the one that is to come, and that if they wanted to survive, they must be willing to leave their homes and businesses behind.

Considering what was going to happen, which was the destruction of Jerusalem, Paul told them that they did not have a city that was permanent, but that there was one that was going to come.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews, instructs them to prepare for what was going to happen, which was the destruction of Jerusalem, and they should be prepared.

3. What is the city “that is to come,” and why do we seek it?

The city "that is to come" is the Kingdom of God, which has "true foundations." We seek it because we know this system is temporary, and we don't trust in money or human solutions, but in the promise of eternal life under God's perfect government.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It's the one we're all waiting for: that city is the Kingdom of God, which will be established here on Earth. Even though we don't see it physically, we know it's coming.

The note explains that, in biblical times, there were cities ruled by a king, so they could be considered a kingdom. This city we await is ruled by Jesus Christ, so it is the Kingdom of God that is coming.

We are seeking it because we know that this system in which we live, like ancient Jerusalem, is temporary: it will disappear, it will be destroyed. Therefore, the city that truly has solid foundations is the Kingdom of God, and that is why we seek it.

For this reason, we do not place any trust in material things or in the solutions that other human beings or human governments may offer us.

We must consider where we will place our trust: whether in this world we live in, which we have seen is temporary, or in this city whose foundations are eternal.

LET US TRUST THAT JEHOVAH WILL NEVER ABANDON US

4. Why was Jerusalem important to Christians?

Jerusalem was important to Christians because the first congregation was founded there in 33 AD, the governing body was located there, and many had their homes and material possessions. Despite this, Jesus warned them that they must flee Jerusalem and Judea to be saved.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Although Jerusalem was precious to Christians, obedience to Jesus' warning taught them to prioritize salvation over material possessions.

They had an emotional attachment for two reasons. First, because it was the spiritual nerve center, as it had been the first congregation and the governing body was located there. And second, because their family, their homes, and their businesses were located there.

Despite the importance of that city to first-century Christians, Jesus had already warned his followers that they would have to leave Jerusalem and Judea, so this may have been a shock to them.

5. What did Paul do to help Christians be prepared?

Paul helped the Christians prepare by teaching them to view Jerusalem from Jehovah's perspective. He reminded them that the temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices were no longer valid before God, since the majority of the people had rejected the Messiah. In this way, he strengthened them so that they would not cling to the city or its traditions.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul's approach teaches us that being prepared involves not only physical actions, such as fleeing, but also adjusting our mindset and detaching ourselves from things that might distract us from following Jehovah.

He helped them see the city as Jehovah saw it. Jehovah no longer considered the temple the center of pure worship, because most of those Jews had rejected the Messiah. So, for Jehovah, the temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices were no longer sacred. He told them, in Hebrews 8:13, that it was something antiquated, growing old, and about to disappear.

In this way, the apostle Paul contributed to this uprooting and facilitated this change in thinking about the city, making it easier for them to achieve detachment.

Jesus, in Luke 13:35, said that his house would be abandoned. He told them, "You will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" That is, Paul relied on this text to help the Hebrews understand that they would have to leave the city when it was destroyed.

The temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices were no longer valid before God, for the majority of the people had rejected the Messiah. Paul taught them to view that city from Jehovah's perspective. In this way, he strengthened them to uproot themselves from the city and its traditions.

6. Why was Paul's reminder in Hebrews 13:5, 6 so timely?

Paul's reminder was very timely, because it helped Christians prepare mentally and emotionally to leave their material possessions behind. Jerusalem was a prosperous city, and some might have been financially comfortable, but they would soon have to abandon everything.

These words reminded them not to love money, but to trust that Jehovah would never abandon them. This trust would strengthen them to obey and act in faith.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul's advice remains relevant today, as it reminds us that our security should not depend on earthly possessions, but on Jehovah's unwavering promise to always be with us.

Because the Christians in Jerusalem, at that time, lived in a prosperous city. Even Pliny said it was the most famous city in the East and a religious center where many people went to celebrate the festivals, which generated income for many. Therefore, considering that perhaps, from one day to the next, they would have to leave all that behind, it was very timely for Paul to remind them that Jehovah would never abandon them. It would be easier to leave everything behind and go somewhere else.

The Christians in Jerusalem were prosperous; they had businesses, comfortable homes, and servants. What they didn't know was that they would have to leave everything behind. But they also didn't know where they were going, what they would find, or the discomfort that would come with doing something so drastic. All of this reflects why Paul's reminder was so important: if they put those words into practice at that moment, not to love material things, it would help them in the change they needed to make.

After having to leave everything they had—their homes, their belongings—and start over somewhere else, which wasn't an easy decision, they still heeded what Jesus had told them.

The reminder was very timely, because first, he told them to live their lives free from the love of money and to be content with what they had. If they did this, it would be easier for them to make decisions. He also reminded them that Jehovah would never abandon them and that they had proof, in the Hebrew Scriptures, that Jehovah had repeatedly demonstrated that he had never abandoned them.

7. Why should we strengthen our trust in Jehovah from now on?

We must strengthen our trust in Jehovah now to be prepared for the coming great tribulation. At that time, we may have to leave all our belongings behind, and we will need to have complete confidence that Jehovah will never abandon us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This analysis reminds us that our relationship with Jehovah shouldn't wait until the last minute; we should cultivate it now. Reflecting on our current goals and decisions can reveal whether we are placing our trust in money or in divine provision. The lessons of the past teach us that obedience and faith require advance spiritual preparation.

Because, as the prophecy of Luke 21 says, "He will come suddenly." For that reason, now is the time to strengthen ourselves, take stock, and ask ourselves if our goals and decisions truly demonstrate our trust in Jehovah.

During this period, we may need to leave all our belongings and trust that Jehovah will never abandon us. And now, while the Great Tribulation has not yet begun, we can demonstrate how much we trust in Jehovah.

It's very important to examine ourselves or reflect: Are we prepared for what is being announced to us? Would we be willing to leave all our belongings and fully trust Jehovah to provide for us? These are the questions we should ask ourselves, and our attitude will show whether we are truly trusting in Jehovah or not.

It's not that saving and being foresighted are wrong; what's wrong is accumulating and relying entirely on riches, which, as 1 Timothy 6:17 says, are insecure. Rather, we must trust in God. And something that encourages us is that He says He abundantly supplies us with everything we enjoy. He says this in the present tense; He doesn't say "He will supply us"; He is already doing so. So we have plenty of reasons to trust in Him.

In the Great Tribulation, it is said that we may find ourselves in situations unprecedented in history, meaning there will be circumstances that neither the Governing Body nor we have imagined. And this demonstrates the great assurance, support, and preparation we need from now on.

Now it is important to develop full confidence that Jehovah will provide what we need.

LET US BE OBEDIENT TO THOSE WHO LEAD US

8. What instruction had Jesus given to his disciples?

Jesus had instructed them: “Those who are in Judea, flee to the mountains.” However, this instruction was general, as there were many mountains in the region, and Jesus did not specify exactly which one they should go to.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jesus instructed them to flee to the mountains, but it took great obedience to follow this instruction. In 66 AD, an army of 30,000 Roman soldiers surrounded Jerusalem. Most Christians were obedient, but because there were many mountains and Jesus didn't specify which one they should flee to, the question arose: which one should they go to?

9. Why might Christians have wondered where to flee? (See also map.)

Christians may have wondered where to flee, because Jesus only told them to flee to the mountains without specifying an exact location. There were several options, such as the mountains of Samaria, Galilee, Mount Hermon, Lebanon, or even across the Jordan River.

Some mountain cities, such as Gamala, seemed safe due to their difficult access, but were attacked and destroyed by the Romans, which could have created uncertainty about where the correct place to take refuge was.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Given the number of mountains surrounding them—some of them even containing cities that seemed somewhat impregnable—take the example of Gamala, which might have seemed like a safe city. But in 67 AD, the Romans attacked that city. So they had to make a decision and be very sure of which mountain they should flee to.

There were many mountains, for example, the mountains of Samaria, the mountains of Galilee, Mount Hermon, the mountains of Lebanon, and the mountains beyond the Jordan River.

Perhaps, from an expert or military perspective, one might think that the best option would have been a high, elevated, and rugged site, such as the city of Gamala, which was ultimately destroyed. And as we prepare for the future, we have been told many times that we will have to make decisions guided by Jehovah, which in the eyes of governments will seem unreasonable, but we must obey them, because our lives depend on it.

The map shows many mountains and the areas that were attacked by the Romans. We see that some were not safe, but others were, like Pella, for example. Others, even close to Jerusalem, were not.

On the map, the red lines show the Roman campaigns, and we can see where the Romans moved and conquered cities. The colors indicate the areas according to the periods in which they were conquered, and those in dark red—which are closest to Jerusalem—were conquered after the destruction of Jerusalem, between 70 and 73.

Even after Jerusalem was destroyed, some might have thought it unnecessary to go so far, that staying nearby was enough. But in the end, the Romans conquered all those cities.

ILLUSTRATION

A map marking some of the mountains and cities of first-century Israel. North of Jerusalem are the mountains of Lebanon, Galilee, Samaria, and Gilead, Mount Hermon and Mount Tabor, and also the cities of Gamala, Caesarea, and Pella. South of Jerusalem are the mountains of Judea and Abarim, and the city of Masada. The map also shows the routes followed by the Romans in their military campaigns and the areas lost to the Jews between 67 and 73.

The Christians could have fled to many mountains, but not all of them proved safe. (See paragraph 9.)

10, 11. (a) How was it possible for Jehovah to guide his people? (Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Jehovah may have guided the Christians through those who led the congregation, as Hebrews 13:7, 17 indicates. According to the historian Eusebius, a “revelation to the notables” of the Jerusalem congregation commanded them to move to Pella, a city in Perea, before the war, showing that Jehovah used the leaders to direct his people to safety.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah's guidance was undoubtedly perceived through the worthy men of his congregation. In fact, the historian Eusebius himself says that, through a revelation from the notables—as he describes them—the congregation was commanded to change their place of residence and live in another city, such as Pella, because of the war.

The map shows how the road between Jerusalem and Pella is practically free of traces of the Roman advance. In other words, it was clear how Jehovah guided the congregation in this case. Furthermore, they were free from the revolts of the Jews, the famous Zealots, those who fought against the Romans, which would have also alerted the Roman armies to persecute the Christians.

The brothers who led the congregation chose to flee to Pella, a neutral city not dominated by Jews, possibly avoiding Roman attention. By following the example of faith and conduct of those leading the congregation, as Hebrews 13:7 indicates, Christians today can also make balanced decisions and succeed by following their guidance.

At the beginning, Hebrews 13:17 says, "Be obedient and submissive." Submission also implies obedience, even if we don't agree or don't think the instruction we're given is correct; but out of humility, we will obey.

10, 11. b) What was the result for those who obeyed? (See also the image.)

The outcome for those who obeyed was very positive: they survived the destruction of Jerusalem. Their obedience demonstrated their faith in Jehovah and their trust in the guidance he provides through his organization.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Those who followed that advice fled to those mountains. Because they were obedient, they survived. History confirms that God did not abandon them.

In the image, we see, in the foreground, the brothers who led the congregation, guiding the group, and those who followed them, wearing practically nothing but the clothes on their backs. They and their families—even a baby can be seen—obeyed, although it must not have been easy for them. But obedience was key, and the result was their survival.

ILLUSTRATION

A group of first-century Christians travel through a mountainous region with their belongings.

Pela was a close and safe option. (See paragraphs 10 and 11.)

12, 13. How has Jehovah guided his people in especially difficult times?

Jehovah has guided his people in especially difficult times through faithful men who lead the congregation. He continues to do so today through those who lead us. A recent example was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we received clear and practical instructions that protected our spiritual health and kept us united. Thanks to that guidance, we were able to continue worshipping Jehovah regularly.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We see that in the Bible there are many stories that show that Jehovah used faithful men to guide his people in difficult times.

As Psalm 77:20 says, Jehovah entrusted his people to the care of Moses and Aaron.

In our day, we have all received this guidance from Jehovah. We saw it clearly during the pandemic, when the elders received instructions to ensure the congregations were well cared for throughout this time. We held Zoom meetings to continue encouraging one another. A historic regional convention was even held, broadcast online, on television, and on the radio in more than 500 languages.

What an important lesson: obeying in the right moment is what has saved lives throughout the history of Jehovah's people. This was the case with the Christians who lived in Judea and Jerusalem. Obeying in time saved their lives. Shortly after, the Zealots came and forced those who hadn't left yet to stay there, while those on the mountain were safe.

We also remember how, somewhat blindly, we obeyed, not knowing what would happen the following week during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how that protected us. This convinces us that Jehovah's guidelines, whether we understand them or not, are always the best.

In the future, when persecution comes, the organization will give us instructions we may not understand, since we don't have Jehovah's perspective or see the whole picture. Therefore, it will be time to be submissive and obey, because if we don't, we could endanger our lives and the lives of others.

It's not just about preparing our minds, but also about acting now; and there's no better preparation than following what we're told. That way, when important decisions come, we'll be ready to obey quickly.

LET US SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE AND HOSPITALITY

14. According to Hebrews 13:1-3, what qualities were Christians to display as the destruction of Jerusalem drew near?

According to Hebrews 13:1-3, as the destruction of Jerusalem approached, Christians would need to show “brotherly love” and “hospitality” like never before. Although they had always demonstrated love, the impending situation would require these qualities to an even greater degree in order to support one another.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Today, this reminds us that during the Great Tribulation, we will need to show extraordinary love toward our brothers and sisters, as well as toward those who suffer or are in need.

They had to show brotherly love and hospitality. And we must do the same: follow their example and show love to one another like never before.

The note says that brotherly love was originally used to refer to love between family members. But in this case, we are told that we should also demonstrate it within the congregation.

And how can we show that love? We see it in Hebrews 13:2, with hospitality, and also with empathy. So it's clear that Jehovah wants the love between us to be as strong as that of a family.

The paragraph mentions that, as the destruction of Jerusalem approached, they had to show brotherly love and hospitality like never before. This is also part of our preparation, because we don't know if we will have to help our brothers with the little we have. And, above all, we must show love to one another; therefore, this is an essential part of our preparation.

15. Why did the Hebrew Christians have to show brotherly love and hospitality to each other?

The Hebrew Christians had to show brotherly love and hospitality because, when fleeing Jerusalem, they left behind almost all their belongings. On their journey to the mountains and settling in a new place, many faced urgent needs. This gave them the opportunity to support one another, share what they had, and demonstrate genuine love.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This example teaches us that difficulties can become opportunities to strengthen the bonds of love and solidarity within the congregation. Today, this reminds us of the importance of being willing to help and share with others.

Because when they left Jerusalem, they took few belongings with them. So, both on the journey through the mountains and when they settled into their new home, they depended on one another and had to share what they had and support one another.

They had to travel many miles from Jerusalem to Pella, and it wasn't an easy journey. Besides being long, the road wasn't flat; they weren't on a plain, but climbing mountains. Most likely, there were elderly people there, thirsty and tired, as well as families with babies and children. Therefore, it was a time to help each other physically.

The video “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight” very realistically describes what could have happened. Those who trusted in Jehovah from the beginning and followed His instructions were happier and very grateful. Others, on the other hand, focused on the little they had been able to bring, on the meager food distributed in Pella, and all they achieved was bitterness. But those who thought about what Jehovah had prepared for them, about how He had saved their lives, were happier and continued serving Jehovah.

The paragraph indicates that this is not simply a problem, but an opportunity to show true brotherly love. Moreover, we should always do so, because if we learn to do good works consistently, we will have practice, and when the time of urgent need arises, we will be able to help more effectively.

16. How can we show love to our siblings? (See also the image.)

We can show love to our brothers and sisters by helping them when they face difficult situations, whether due to war, disasters, or need. Being hospitable, offering material or spiritual support, and welcoming them with affection demonstrates that we are willing to be instruments in Jehovah's hands to comfort and strengthen our spiritual family.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This story reminds us that love is not just a feeling, but an action manifested in concrete gestures of help and support. Showing love to one's fellow believers strengthens congregational unity and reflects Jehovah's kindness toward others.

We see that many of our brothers, servants of Jehovah, have been willing to attend to the spiritual and material needs of other brothers who have had to leave places like Ukraine and other places where there has been great need.

A sister who fled Ukraine said, "It's incredible how well they've welcomed us," referring to Ukraine, Hungary, and Germany. She had been to different places where the brothers cared for her. In many parts of the world, the Relief Committee has done immense work on behalf of the refugee brothers from Ukraine, providing hospitality, aid, arrangements, and food to help them receive them.

We have a privilege in our congregation: brothers from low-income congregations come, and sometimes we read an announcement asking us to offer our homes to host brothers during the regional or circuit assembly. These brothers are from other countries and speak other languages. It's very nice to see how hospitable some of them are, who very often open their homes so that these brothers don't have to bear the additional costs of lodging.

The image conveys beautiful feelings of brotherly love. Faced with the urgent need for a family, we see how a married couple has opened the doors of their home. They are an older couple, but they do so with joy; they look happy. The sister probably even prepared an excellent dinner for them, as she is seen wearing an apron. Without a doubt, this is a precious opportunity to help others who are going through difficult times.

Christians who have to leave their homes need our help. Some can stay, but they may need us to bring them food or transport them. For example, if they're coming to a convention, they may need transportation, and if we have a car, we can offer to drive them. In other words, it's not just about hosting them; there are more things to do, such as providing them with food and other practical assistance.

Brothers and sisters who have to flee their homes, their countries, their congregations, their surroundings, go through traumatic experiences. They have to go to a foreign country, with a different language, culture, customs, and food. And those who welcome them, if they are able to consider these things, will make their lives easier by showing them love.

ILLUSTRATION

An elderly couple lovingly welcomes a family of siblings who have had to leave their home. The family is carrying a single suitcase and a few bags.

Christians who have to leave their homes need our help. (See paragraph 16.)

17. Why is it essential that we cultivate brotherly love and hospitality now?

It is essential that we cultivate brotherly love and hospitality now, because these qualities will be vital during the Great Tribulation. If we learn now to support, share, and care for one another, we will be better prepared to face together the trials to come.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This analysis reminds us that spiritual qualities are not developed overnight; they require time and practice. Cultivating brotherly love and hospitality today not only helps us grow spiritually, but also prepares us to face future challenges with the right mindset and heart.

If we practice it now, it will be easier for us to show it when the Great Tribulation comes. We must show brotherly love toward our brothers and sisters, regardless of where they come from or what kind of culture they have. We must always have, as they say, open arms.

As always recommended, we should have our backpacks prepared for any emergency. During the Great Tribulation, brotherly love and hospitality should be an essential part of that backpack.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE?

18. How can we imitate the example of the Hebrew Christians?

We can imitate the example of the Hebrew Christians, following Jesus' advice to be prepared to act, even if we don't have all the details of what will happen in the future. We also have Paul's letter, which remains useful today. Like them, we trust in Jehovah's promises and his guidance through the organization.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

If we are well prepared, we don't know what will happen, but if we begin preparing now, when the great tribulation comes, we will know how to act. We must always keep in mind that Jehovah will never abandon us. If we put spiritual things, the Kingdom of God, first, we will enjoy many blessings in the future.

Let us earnestly seek the city that will truly last, which is the Kingdom of God. And if we do, we will enjoy the wonderful blessings that Jehovah will bring for all eternity.

Paul's letter to the Hebrews is still helpful today, when he tells them in verses 5 and 6 not to be attached to their material possessions and instead to trust in Jehovah.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why do we need to strengthen our trust in Jehovah now?

We need to strengthen our trust in Jehovah now to be prepared for the great tribulation. Like the first-century Christians, we may have to abandon our possessions or make a sudden change of life during that time. If we strengthen our trust in Jehovah now, we can act with faith, without fear, and with the assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

If we put our trust in what this world offers us, such as material things or in powers like governments, and we don't learn to trust Jehovah now, when that period comes when the "Roman armies are withdrawn," we may not trust Jehovah and look for other solutions.

Why will obedience be so important during the “great tribulation”?

Because Jehovah can guide us through his organization, just as he did in the past. Even if we don't know all the details, obedience to his instructions will be vital to receiving his protection. Only those willing to act with faith and speed will enjoy Jehovah's care at this critical time.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because our lives will depend on it. We don't know when they will come or how they will be, but Jehovah will give us the guidelines through our brothers who lead the congregation. And, as we saw in Hebrews 13:17, we must be obedient and submissive. Even if we want to go to the left, if Jehovah tells us to go to the right, we must obey.

Why is it essential that we cultivate brotherly love and hospitality now?

Because these qualities prepare us to support one another in times of need. If we learn to demonstrate them now, we will be able to provide comfort, practical help, and spiritual strength during the Great Tribulation, when we will depend on our brothers and sisters more than ever.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because it's not optional; it's an essential requirement to display these qualities. It's as if a person trains to lift a weight and, when the time comes to lift it, hasn't trained at all. Obviously, they won't miraculously achieve it. We have to train our "muscles" of brotherly love and hospitality so that, when the time comes, we can display these qualities.