Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lesson 86, introduction to section 13 and lesson 87.
Introduction to section 13
In this section, we will analyze how Jesus, when he came to earth, demonstrated humility by serving others, forgiving them when they made mistakes, and giving his life for imperfect people. Because of his faithfulness, Jehovah was loyal to his Son and brought him back to life. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and prepared them to continue the important work he had entrusted to them. Today, we too have the privilege of sharing in that same work, and we should deeply appreciate it.
Analysis of Lesson 86: Jesus Raises Lazarus
It tells the story of how Jesus resurrected Lazarus.
Jesus received the news that Lazarus was very ill, but he waited two days before going to Bethany. When he arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days.
Martha and Mary were very sad because they thought that if Jesus had arrived sooner, their brother would not have died. Jesus comforted the two sisters, went to the tomb, and prayed to his Father in front of everyone. Then he had the stone removed and called out to Lazarus in a loud voice to come out. Lazarus then came back to life and emerged from the tomb. Many who witnessed the miracle put their faith in Jesus.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In John 11:11-14, Jesus likened Lazarus’s death to a dream. This shows that, for Jehovah and for Jesus, death is neither permanent nor insurmountable. Jesus had complete confidence in his Father’s power to bring his friend back to life. This account strengthens our hope in Jehovah’s promised resurrection.
John 11:21-27 shows Martha's faith. Even though she was suffering greatly, she continued to trust in Jesus and in the promise of the resurrection. Jesus used that moment to teach her that he would have an important role in bringing the dead back to life. This teaches us that, even in difficult times, we should continue to trust in Jehovah and in his promises.
John 11:33-35 mentions that Jesus wept when he saw Mary and the others suffering. Although he knew he was going to resurrect Lazarus, it pained him to see people's suffering. This shows that Jesus was compassionate and fully understood human feelings. It also reminds us that Jehovah and Jesus genuinely care about our pain.
According to John 11:41-43, Jesus prayed publicly before performing the miracle so that everyone would understand that the power came from Jehovah. He did not seek glory for himself, but rather to strengthen people's faith. This teaches humility and shows the close relationship between Jesus and his Father. Furthermore, it made clear that Jehovah has power even over death.
What did the Pharisees want to do when they heard about the resurrection of Lazarus?
When the Pharisees learned that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, they began plotting how to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. Furthermore, Judas Iscariot accepted money to help them find the right moment to betray Jesus.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
John 11:47-53 shows that the religious leaders did not deny the miracle, because it was clear that it had occurred. However, instead of accepting that Jesus came from God, they were more concerned with maintaining their authority and position. This demonstrates how pride and self-interest can harden a person's heart.
In John 12:10, the chief priests also wanted to kill Lazarus because so many people were believing in Jesus because of him. This reveals the extent to which they were blinded by hatred and envy. Instead of rejoicing over a man's restored life, they wanted to eliminate all evidence of the miracle.
Matthew 26:14-16 explains that Judas accepted 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. He allowed his love of money to be stronger than his loyalty. This account serves as a warning not to let material desires damage our relationship with Jehovah.
The full account at John 11:1-53 shows that people reacted in very different ways to the same miracle. Some strengthened their faith, while others hardened their opposition even further. This teaches that each person decides how to respond to the tests of Jehovah’s power and will.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
It teaches us that Jehovah has power over death and can bring people back to life. The resurrection of Lazarus demonstrates that nothing is impossible for Jehovah.
It teaches us that Jehovah is compassionate and cares about human suffering. Jesus wept when he saw Mary and Martha's grief, thus reflecting his Father's feelings toward people's suffering.
It shows us that Jehovah keeps his promises. Jesus confirmed the hope of the resurrection when he said: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
It teaches us that Jehovah listens to the prayers of his faithful servants. Jesus prayed publicly before resurrecting Lazarus and showed his complete trust in his Father. He also showed humility by making it clear that it was his Father who had sent him.
It shows us that Jehovah wants to strengthen our faith through the works and teachings of Jesus. Many believed after seeing the miracle.
It teaches us that Jehovah gives us the freedom to decide how to react to displays of his power. Some people strengthened their faith, while others hardened their hearts.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should trust in Jehovah even when we don't understand why certain things happen or why an answer seems to be delayed. In difficult times, we can turn to Jehovah in prayer and be assured that he understands our pain.
We learn that we must strengthen our faith in the resurrection hope and remember that death is not permanent for Jehovah. It is important to show empathy and compassion for those who suffer, just as Jesus did with Mary and Martha.
We learn that we must not allow pride, envy, or personal interests to distance us from Jehovah, as happened to the Pharisees.
We learn that we must guard our loyalty to Jehovah and not let the love of money or material desires cause us to make bad decisions, as happened with Judas.
We learn that each person decides how to respond to the teachings and tests of Jehovah's power; therefore, we must strive to strengthen our faith and obedience.
Analysis of Lesson 87: Jesus' Last Supper
What did Jesus promise his apostles?
Jesus promised his apostles that they would be kings with him in heaven. After passing them the wine during the Lord's Supper, he said, “Drink this wine. It represents my blood, which I will give for the forgiveness of sins. I promise you that you will be kings with me in heaven,” and he asked them to do this every year to remember him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus promised his apostles that they would be kings with him in heaven. As he passed them the wine during the Lord's Supper, he said, "I promise you that you will be kings with me in heaven."
Jesus promised his faithful apostles that they would reign with him in heaven. He also assured them that Jehovah would give them the Kingdom and that they would remain his friends if they obeyed his teachings and stayed united in love.
In Luke 22:28-30, Jesus acknowledged that the apostles had stood by him during difficult trials. For this reason, he promised them a place in his Kingdom. This shows that Jehovah and Jesus highly value loyalty and never forget the sacrifices of their faithful servants.
John 15:14, 15 shows that Jesus called his disciples friends and taught them everything he had learned from his Father. This highlights the trust and affection he felt for them. It also teaches us that close friendship with Jesus requires obedience and good communication with Jehovah.
In Luke 12:32, Jesus called his disciples “a little flock” and assured them that the Father wanted to give them the Kingdom. These words conveyed encouragement and confidence. Although they would face difficulties, they could have complete confidence that Jehovah would fulfill his promises.
John 17:24 shows that Jesus wanted his disciples to be with him to see his heavenly glory. This reveals his deep love for them and his desire to share future blessings with them. Jehovah promises not only life but also a close relationship with his Son.
During the last supper that Jesus ate with his apostles, what important lessons did he teach them?
During the Last Supper, Jesus explained to his apostles that the bread represented his body and the wine his blood, which he would give for the forgiveness of sins. He also taught them the importance of humility by telling them that the most important should behave like the least important. Furthermore, he taught them that they should love one another as he had loved them, because that love would demonstrate that they were his disciples.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He taught them to be humble, to love one another, and to remain united. He also taught them the importance of remembering his sacrifice through the Lord’s Supper and of trusting in Jehovah as they faced trials and opposition.
Luke 22:24-26 shows that the apostles argued about who was the greatest. Jesus corrected this way of thinking by teaching them that true leadership is demonstrated through humility and service. This reminds us that, in the congregation, no one should seek personal prestige.
John 13:34-35 emphasizes that love would be the primary characteristic of Jesus' true disciples. This love was not to be merely words, but demonstrated through actions and sacrifices. Today, too, sincere love identifies those who follow Christ's teachings.
Matthew 26:26-28 explains that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper using bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood. With this, he taught the importance of valuing his sacrifice and remembering what he would do to open the way to forgiveness of sins. The Memorial strengthens our gratitude and faith.
John 17:20-23 shows that Jesus prayed for his disciples to be united and at peace. He knew that unity would help others recognize that Jehovah had sent him. This teaches that maintaining peace and cooperation in the congregation is very important to Jehovah.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah deeply loves people and was willing to give up his Son so that our sins could be forgiven.
It teaches us that Jehovah values love, humility, and loyalty among his servants. It also shows us that he cares for them, desires their unity and peace, and listens to prayers offered in faith.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we must be humble and not seek to be the most important. We must also show sincere love for one another, because that identifies the true disciples of Jesus.
We learn the importance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice, always staying united, and fully trusting in Jehovah's help and care.
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