Lesson 16

Many people think of Jesus as a helpless baby, a wise prophet, or a dying man. But can we learn more about him from examining his life on earth? In this lesson, we will consider some of the most important things that Jesus did and how they affect you.

Jesus’ main work was to “declare the good news of the Kingdom of God.”

Read Luke 4.43: But he said to them: “I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.”

He preached the good news that God would establish a kingdom, or government, that would solve all of humankind’s problems. Footnote 1

Jesus tirelessly shared this positive message for three and a half years.— Matthew 9:35.

The Bible describes many “powerful works and wonders and signs that God did through [Jesus].” (Acts 2:22)

With God’s power, Jesus was able to control the weather, feed thousands, heal the sick, and even bring the dead back to life. (Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:56; Luke 7:11-17)

Jesus’ miracles made it clear that God had sent him. They also showed that Jehovah has the power to solve all our problems.

Jesus obeyed Jehovah in every situation.

Read John 8.29: And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.”

Despite opposition, Jesus faithfully did what his Father asked of him right up until his death. He proved that it is possible for humans to serve God, even under difficult conditions. Thus, Jesus left “a model for [us] to follow his steps closely.” — 1 Peter 2:21.

Consider how Jesus shared the good news and performed miracles.

Jesus walked hundreds of miles on dusty roads, sharing the good news with as many people as possible.

Read Luke 8.1: Shortly afterward he traveled from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him,

Discuss these questions:

Did Jesus preach only to people who gathered to listen to him?

What effort did Jesus make to find people?

God foretold that the Messiah would share good news.

Read Isaiah 61.1, 2: The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, Because Jehovah anointed me to declare good news to the meek. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And the wide opening of the eyes to the prisoners, To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s goodwill And the day of vengeance of our God, To comfort all who mourn,

Discuss these questions:

How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy?

Do you think people today need to hear this good news?

In addition to preaching the good news about God’s Kingdom, Jesus taught practical lessons. Consider a few examples from his famous Sermon on the Mount.

Read Matthew 6.14: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;

Read Matthew 6.34: So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

Read Matthew 7.12: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.

Discuss these questions:

What practical advice did Jesus give in these verses?

Do you think that this advice is still helpful?

Jehovah empowered Jesus to perform many miracles. To see one example, read Mark 5:25-34 or play the VIDEO. Then discuss the questions that follow.

Read Mark 5.25-34: Now there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for 12 years. She had suffered much at the hands of many physicians and had spent all her resources, and she was no better but, rather, had become worse. When she heard the reports about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his outer garment, for she kept saying: “If I touch just his outer garments, I will get well.” And immediately her flow of blood dried up, and she sensed in her body that she had been healed of the grievous sickness. Immediately Jesus realized in himself that power had gone out of him, and he turned around in the crowd and asked: “Who touched my outer garments?” But his disciples said to him: “You see the crowd pressing in on you, and you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” However, he was looking around to see who had done this. The woman, frightened and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. He said to her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed from your grievous sickness.”

In the video, of what was the sick woman convinced?

What impresses you about this miracle?

Read John 5.36: But I have the witness greater than that of John, for the very works that my Father assigned me to accomplish, these works that I am doing, bear witness that the Father sent me.

Discuss this question:

What did Jesus’ miracles “bear witness” to, or prove, about him?

Most of what we know about Jesus comes from the four Bible books called the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel writer included different details about Jesus. These details all fit together to provide a fascinating picture of his life.

MATTHEW wrote his Gospel first. It emphasizes Jesus’ teachings, especially what Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God.

MARK composed the shortest Gospel. It is fast-moving and action-packed.

LUKE gives special attention to prayer and to how Jesus treated women.

JOHN reveals much about Jesus’ personality by relating many conversations that Jesus had with his close friends and others.

What do you think?

Jesus preached about God’s Kingdom, performed miracles, and obeyed Jehovah in every situation.

What was Jesus’ main work while on earth?

What do Jesus’ miracles prove?

What practical lessons did Jesus teach?

Lesson completed on:

Watch the drama ‘For a Certainty God Made Him Lord and Christ’—Part II or read Matthew chapters 5 to 7 to learn more about Jesus’ ministry.

Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.

From lesson 16, memorize Matthew 6:33, 34: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

Build a Bible mind map to locate scriptures, memorize: Jude and Revelation.

1. What subject did Jesus speak about the most?

“God’s Kingdom—What It Means to Jesus” (The Watchtower, October 1, 2014) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Consider why we can trust that Jesus’ miracles really happened.

“The Miracles of Jesus—What Can You Learn?” (The Watchtower, July 15, 2004) Open explore 2 in new page

3. Read how Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice affected one man.

“My Life Was All About Me” (The Watchtower, October 1, 2014) Open explore 3 in new page

4. See the main activities of Jesus’ ministry organized chronologically.

“Main Events of Jesus’ Earthly Life” (New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, Appendix A7) Open explore 4 in new page