Imitate Jesus’ Zeal for Preaching

SA11 - Imitate Jesus’ Zeal for Preaching

This article encourages Christians to imitate Jesus’ zeal for preaching, even when they face discouragement or lack visible results. By focusing on Jehovah’s will, paying attention to Bible prophecy, relying on Jehovah for strength, and staying positive, they can remain enthusiastic and effective in their ministry just as Jesus did.

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IMITATE JESUS’ ZEAL FOR PREACHING

  • True Christians are distinguished by their zeal for the ministry, unlike imitation Christians. (Titus 2:14)
  • In this article, “zeal” means the enthusiasm and eagerness with which Christians worship Jehovah.
  • It’s common to feel less enthusiastic at times, even for faithful elders.
  • Other sacred works like construction or disaster relief can bring immediate joy and visible results, making them feel more satisfying.
  • Preaching can feel discouraging when facing rejection or a lack of response, especially in long-worked territories.
  • As the end nears, our message may become more unpopular (Matthew 10:22), but we must remain zealous.

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HE FOCUSED ON JEHOVAH’S WILL

    • Jesus zealously preached because he knew it was Jehovah’s will. (Luke 4:43)
    • Preaching was Jesus’ main focus, even during the final months of his life. (Luke 13:22)
    • He trained others to join him, sending them out in pairs. (Luke 10:1)
    • Preaching is still our primary assignment today. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)
    • Other theocratic activities like construction or Bethel service support the ministry but do not replace it.
    • János, an elder in Hungary, says: “No theocratic activity can replace the preaching work.”
    • Seeing people as Jehovah does strengthens our zeal—He wants all to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4)
    • Tools like the Love People - Make Disciples brochure help us start meaningful conversations.
    • Even if people don’t respond now, they may do so in the future—but only if we keep preaching.

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    HE PAID ATTENTION TO BIBLE PROPHECY
    • Jesus let Bible prophecy shape his priorities—he knew his time was limited. (Daniel 9:26, 27)
    • He understood details about his death and timing, which motivated him to preach with urgency. (Luke 18:31-34)
    • We, too, are moved by prophecy, knowing that the last days are here.
    • Events involving world powers fulfill prophecies such as Daniel 11:40 and Daniel 2:43-45.
    • These prophecies prove we are in the time of the end and add urgency to our preaching.
    • Prophecies give us hope and motivation to share the good news:
    • Carrie: “Jehovah’s heartwarming promises... are not just for me, but for them too.”
    • Leila: “Anyone can change with Jehovah’s help.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)
    • Christopher: “I feel honored to help in fulfilling prophecy.” (Mark 13:10)

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    HE RELIED ON JEHOVAH FOR SUPPORT

    • Jesus knew his message would cause division and rely on Jehovah to endure opposition. (Luke 12:49, 53)
    • Religious leaders tried to kill him, but he continued preaching. (John 8:59; 10:31, 39)
    • Jesus said: “I am not alone... the Father who sent me is with me.” (John 8:16, 29)
    • He taught his disciples to trust in Jehovah’s support during persecution. (Matthew 10:18-20; Luke 12:11, 12)
    • Jesus gave practical instructions to stay safe and avoid unnecessary conflict. (Matthew 10:16, 23)
    • Like Jesus, we can confidently rely on Jehovah’s help when facing modern opposition. (Revelation 12:17)
    • Jesus prayed for all his followers—Jehovah still answers that prayer today. (John 17:11, 15, 20)
    • Even when our work is restricted, Jehovah empowers us to keep preaching. (2 Timothy 4:17)
    • Discreet witnessing still allows zealous ones to share their faith—like a brother witnessing at a gas station.

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    HE REMAINED POSITIVE

    • Jesus’ positive attitude kept him zealous in preaching.
    • He saw that many were ready to respond and likened them to a ripe field. (John 4:35)
    • A year later, he still said: “The harvest is great.” (Matthew 9:37, 38)
    • His optimism encouraged others to join in the work, showing the importance of a hopeful outlook in maintaining zeal.

    Thank you for reading,
    -Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31) 

    Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

    6 comments

    What a great breakdown of Jesus’ zeal for the ministry.

    Sarah

    I felt seen by the statment from the elder who said, “Sometimes my desire to preach is just not there.” I feel the same, my brother. Exaclty the same. But reading about how Jesus just kept showing up, even when folks weren’t receptive, was the gentle yet loving spiritual slap I needed. 😅

    jessica

    I liked how the article broke down how to imiate Jesus’s zeal, this is very practical.

    Tia

    I now have a new appreciation for fig trees and manure. If Jesus didn’t give up on that tree, I certainly can.

    Patricia

    I been feeling super discouraged lately in my territory, same streets, same reactions, same silence. So when the article brought out that Jesus didn’t give up either, it reminded me I’m not doing anything wrong. Even he faced rejection and just kept going with love & determination. That was so encourging for me.

    christina

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