DAILY TEXT, Saturday, October 17, 2026. We have this treasure in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026

We have this treasure in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7).

What is this treasure? It is the preaching of the Kingdom message, a lifesaving work (2 Cor. 4:1). And what are the clay jars? We are God’s servants, carrying the good news. In Paul’s day, merchants used clay jars to transport valuable items, such as food, wine, or money. Today, Jehovah has also entrusted us with something very precious: the message of the good news. With his support, we will have the strength to faithfully carry out our mission of delivering the message. At times, we may feel fear of rejection or fear of man. How can we overcome this? Consider the prayer the apostles offered when they were ordered to stop preaching. Instead of letting fear overcome them, they asked Jehovah to help them continue speaking with great courage. And he answered them immediately (Acts 4:18, 29, 31). When fear of man overwhelms you, ask God to help you overcome it with love for your neighbor. w24.04 16 paragraphs 8, 9

What help do we have to fulfill our commission as Jehovah's Witnesses? (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Jehovah has made us his Witnesses (read Isaiah 43:10-12). And he promises to help us to be courageous. Let us review four ways in which he helps us to do so. First, Jesus is with us when we preach the good news (Matt. 28:18-20). Second, Jehovah has commissioned angels to help us (Rev. 14:6). Third, Jehovah gives us his holy spirit, a helper who reminds us of what we have learned (John 14:25, 26). And fourth, Jehovah gives us brothers and sisters to accompany us. With Jehovah’s support and the support of our loving brotherhood, we have everything we need to triumph in the fight against fear.

What can you do to reach more people with the message?

Do you get discouraged when there are few people at home? If so, ask yourself: “Where are they right now? Are they working or shopping?” (Acts 16:13) Then consider the possibility of preaching on the streets. A brother named Joshua explains: “I have found it effective to look for opportunities to preach while walking around markets, shopping centers, and public parking lots.” Both he and his wife, Bridget, have found more people at home by visiting in the evening and on Sunday afternoons. (Eph. 5:15, 16)

How can we find out what people believe and what topics interest them?

If people don't seem very interested in our message, let's try to find out what they believe and what concerns them. Joshua and Bridget base their introductions on the question that appears on the cover of the tracts. For example, when they offer the tract What Does the Bible Mean to You?, they say: “Some people believe that the Bible comes from God, and others don't. What do you think?” In this way, they often succeed in starting a conversation.

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