Lesson 17

As we learn about the things Jesus said and did on earth, we discover qualities that draw us closer to him and to his Father, Jehovah. What are some of these appealing qualities? And how can we imitate Jesus in our own life?

In heaven, Jesus has watched his loving Father and learned from him for billions of years. As a result, he thinks, feels, and acts just like him.

Read John 5.19: Therefore, in response Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son does also in like manner.

In fact, Jesus reflects his Father’s personality so perfectly that he said: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9)

As you learn about Jesus’ personality, you will come to know Jehovah better. For instance, Jesus’ compassion for people shows how Jehovah feels about you.

Jesus said: “For the world to know that I love the Father, I am doing just as the Father has commanded me to do.” (John 14:31)

While on earth, Jesus showed his great love for his Father by obeying him even when it was difficult to do so. Jesus also loved to talk about his Father and to help others cultivate a friendship with Him.— John 14:23.

The Bible says that Jesus is “especially fond of mankind.” (Proverbs 8:31, footnote)

He demonstrated this love by encouraging and selflessly helping people. He performed miracles that showed not only his power but also his compassion. (Mark 1:40-42)

He treated people kindly and impartially. His words gave comfort and hope to all honesthearted ones who listened. Jesus was willing to suffer and die because of his love for all mankind. But he especially loves those who follow his teachings.

Read John 15.13, 14: No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends. You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.

Learn more about Jesus’ personality. And consider how to express love and generosity as he did.

Jesus’ example teaches us how to express our love for God.

After reading each scripture, discuss this question:

Read Luke 6.12: On one of those days he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Read John 15.10: If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.

Read John 17.26: I have made your name known to them and will make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them.”

In imitation of Jesus, how can we show that we love Jehovah?

Jesus put the needs of other people ahead of his own. Even when he was tired, he used his time and energy to help people.

Read Mark 6.30-44: The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all the things they had done and taught. And he said to them: “Come, you yourselves, privately into an isolated place and rest up a little.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure time even to eat a meal. So they set off in the boat for an isolated place to be by themselves. But people saw them going and many got to know it, and from all the cities they ran together on foot and got there ahead of them. Well, on getting out, he saw a large crowd, and he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things. By now the hour had grown late, and his disciples came up to him and said: “This place is isolated, and the hour is already late. Send them away, so that they may go off into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He replied to them: “You give them something to eat.” At this they said to him: “Should we go off and buy 200 denarii worth of bread and give it to the people to eat?” He said to them: “How many loaves do you have? Go see!” After finding out, they said: “Five, besides two fish.” And he instructed all the people to recline in groups on the green grass. So they reclined in groups of 100 and of 50. Taking now the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves up and began giving them to the disciples to place them before the people, and he divided up the two fish for all. So they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up 12 baskets full of fragments, aside from the fish. Those who ate the loaves were 5,000 men.

Discuss these questions:

In this account, what are some ways that Jesus showed concern for others?—See verses 31, 34, and 41, 42.

What motivated Jesus to help people?—See verse 34.

Because Jesus reflects Jehovah’s personality, what does all of this teach you about Jehovah?

What are some ways that we can imitate Jesus’ concern for others?

Jesus was generous even though he did not have many material things, and he encouraged us to be generous.

Read Acts 20.35: I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

Discuss this question:

According to Jesus, how can we be happy?

Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.

What are some ways that we can give, even if we do not have much materially?

The Bible teaches us to pray to Jehovah in Jesus’ name.

Read John 16.23, 24: In that day you will ask me no question at all. Most truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything, he will give it to you in my name. Until now you have not asked for a single thing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

When we pray in that way, we show that we recognize what Jesus has done to help us become Jehovah’s friends.

Since Jesus reflects his Father’s personality, how do his actions prove that Jehovah cares about us?

Jesus loves Jehovah, and he loves people. Since Jesus is like his Father, the more you come to know Jesus, the more you will come to know Jehovah.

How can we show love for Jehovah, as Jesus did?

How can we show love for people, as Jesus did?

What do you find most appealing about Jesus’ personality?

Lesson completed on:

Choose one of Jesus’ qualities, and try to display it this week.

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 17, memorize Acts 20:35: I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

1. Consider some of Jesus’ qualities that we can imitate.

“To Imitate Jesus, Be...” (Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life, page 317) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Examine the important role that Jesus plays in prayers.

“Why Pray in Jesus’ Name?” (The Watchtower, February 1, 2008) Open explore 2 in new page

3. Does the Bible say anything about Jesus’ appearance?

“What Did Jesus Look Like?” (Web article) Open explore 3 in new page

4. What can we learn from the way that Jesus treated women?

“Respect and Dignity Under God’s Care” (The Watchtower, September 1, 2012) Open explore 4 in new page