How can the bible help you in real time, or is it old school obsolete dust in the wind? Lesson 1,2

27;4. Jesus’ death can benefit all people

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

VIDEO: Why Did Jesus Die?—Part 2 (2:00)

How could the death of one man benefit all people?

Read 1 Timothy 2:5, 6, and then discuss this question:

Adam was a perfect man who put humans on a path to sin and death. Jesus was also a perfect man. In what way did he provide “a corresponding ransom”?

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27:5. The ransom is Jehovah’s gift to you

Jehovah’s friends view the ransom as a personal gift. For example, read Galatians 2:20, and then discuss this question:

How did the apostle Paul indicate that he viewed the ransom as a personal gift?

When Adam sinned, he and all his descendants were condemned to death. But Jehovah sent his Son to die so that you can have the opportunity to enjoy everlasting life.

As you read the following verses, imagine how Jehovah must have felt while his Son suffered. Read John 19:1-7, 16-18, and then discuss this question:

How do you feel about what Jehovah and Jesus did for you?

SOMEONE MAY ASK: “How could one man die for all people?”

How would you answer?

Last Edited by DGN on 05/21/2022 08:08 PM

SOMEONE MAY ASK: “How could one man die for all people?”

How would you answer?

SUMMARY

Jesus’ death provides the basis for Jehovah to forgive our sins, and it gives us the opportunity to enjoy life forever.
Review

Why did Jesus die?

In what way was Jesus’ perfect human life a corresponding ransom?

How can Jesus’ death benefit you?

Lesson completed on:
Goal
When you pray, regularly thank Jehovah for the gift of his Son.
Other:
Your other goal
EXPLORE

Learn why Jesus’ perfect human life is called a ransom.

“How Is Jesus’ Sacrifice ‘a Ransom for Many’?” (Web article)

Find out what we need to do to be saved.

“Jesus Saves—How?” (Web article)

Can Jehovah forgive even serious sins?

“Bible Questions Answered” (The Watchtower, May 1, 2013)

See how learning about Christ’s sacrifice helped a man who struggled with painful memories.

“Remembering My First Love Has Helped Me to Endure” (The Watchtower, May 15, 2015)

DIG DEEPER

Deepen your understanding of why Jesus gave up his life, and consider how you benefit.
3. Jesus’ death frees us from sin and death

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

VIDEO: Why Did Jesus Die?—Part 1 (2:01)

What opportunity did Adam lose when he disobeyed God?

Read Romans 5:12, and then discuss this question:

How has Adam’s sin affected your life?

Read John 3:16, and then discuss this question:

Why did Jehovah send his Son to the earth?

LESSON 28
Show Appreciation for What Jehovah and Jesus Did for You

How do you feel when a friend gives you a beautiful gift? Likely, it makes you very happy and you want to show your friend that you appreciate the gift. Jehovah and Jesus gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive. What is it, and how can we show that we are grateful for it?
1. What is one way to show appreciation for what God and Christ did for us?

The Bible promises that “everyone exercising faith in [Jesus]” can live forever. (John 3:16) What does it mean to exercise faith? It means more than just believing in Jesus. We also need to show our faith by the choices we make and the things we do. (James 2:17) When we show our faith by what we do and what we say, we strengthen our friendship with Jesus and his Father, Jehovah.—Read John 14:21.

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28;2. What special event helps us to show our gratitude for what Jehovah and Jesus did?

The evening before he died, Jesus told his followers about another way to show gratitude for his sacrifice. He introduced a special observance that the Bible calls “the Lord’s Evening Meal,” also known as the Memorial of Christ’s death. (1 Corinthians 11:20) Jesus instituted it so that his apostles—and all true Christians after them—would remember that he gave his life for us. Regarding this observance, Jesus commanded: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) When you attend the Memorial, you show that you are grateful for the great love that Jehovah and Jesus have for us.

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DIG DEEPER

Examine further ways to show appreciation for the great love shown by Jehovah and Jesus. Consider the importance of the Memorial of Christ’s death.
28;3. Gratitude moves us to action

Imagine that someone saved you from drowning. Would you simply forget about what that person did for you? Or would you look for ways to show him that you are grateful for what he did?

28;3. Gratitude moves us to action

Imagine that someone saved you from drowning. Would you simply forget about what that person did for you? Or would you look for ways to show him that you are grateful for what he did?

We owe our lives to Jehovah. Read 1 John 4:8-10, and then discuss these questions:

Why is Jesus’ sacrifice a special gift?

How do you feel about what Jehovah and Jesus did for you?

How can we show our appreciation for what Jehovah and Jesus did for us? Read 2 Corinthians 5:15 and 1 John 4:11; 5:3. After reading each scripture, discuss this question:

Based on that scripture, what can we do to show our gratitude?

4. Imitate Jesus

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28:4. Imitate Jesus

Another way to show our appreciation is by imitating Jesus. Read 1 Peter 2:21, and then discuss this question:

In what ways could you follow Jesus’ steps closely?

Jesus loved God’s Word, preached the good news, and helped others

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28;5. Observe the Memorial of Christ’s death

To see what happened during the first observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal, read Luke 22:14, 19, 20. Then discuss these questions:

What happened at the Lord’s Evening Meal?

What do the bread and the wine represent?—See verses 19 and 20.

Jesus intended for his disciples to observe the Lord’s Evening Meal once a year on the anniversary of his death. Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses meet together yearly to remember Christ’s death in the way that he commanded. To learn about this important meeting, play the VIDEO. Then discuss the question that follows.

VIDEO: Remember Jesus’ Death (1:41)
A scene from the video ‘Remember Jesus’ Death.’ Jehovah’s Witnesses meet to observe the Lord’s Evening Meal.

What happens at the Memorial?

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28;6


SOME PEOPLE SAY: “All you have to do to be saved is believe in Jesus.”

How could you use John 3:16 and James 2:17 to show that more is needed?

SUMMARY

We show appreciation for what Jesus did for us by exercising faith in him and by attending the Memorial of his death.
Review

What does it mean to exercise faith in Jesus?

How would you like to show your appreciation for what Jehovah and Jesus did for you?

Why is it so important to attend the Memorial of Christ’s death?

EXPLORE

What does Christ’s death motivate us to do?

He Used His Body to Honor Jehovah (9:28)

Learn more about faith and how we can exercise it.

“Exercise Your Faith in Jehovah’s Promises” (The Watchtower, October 2016)

In the story “I Feel Clean, Alive, and Whole,” see the effect that learning about Christ’s sacrifice had on one woman’s life.

“The Bible Changes Lives” (The Watchtower, August 1, 2011)

Consider why few partake at the Memorial.

“Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?” (Web article)

Lesson 29. A couple prays in front of a headstone in a cemetery.

LESSON 29
What Happens When We Die?

Have you ever lost a loved one in death? At such a painful time, you may wonder: ‘What happens when we die? Is there any hope that we will see our loved ones again?’ In this lesson and the next, consider the Bible’s comforting answers.
1. What happens when we die?

Jesus compared death to a deep sleep. A person in a deep sleep is not aware of what is happening around him. How is death similar to sleep? After someone dies, he does not feel pain. He does not feel lonely, no matter how much he loved his friends and family. “The dead know nothing at all,” says the Bible.—Read Ecclesiastes 9:5.

29:2. How do we benefit from knowing the truth about death?

Many people are afraid of death—and even of the dead! But you can be comforted by what the Bible says about death. Jesus said: “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Contrary to what some religions claim, the Bible does not teach that a person has an immortal soul that lives on after death. Thus, no one suffers after death. Also, since the dead are not aware of anything, they cannot harm us. So there is no need to appease or worship the dead, and there is no need to say prayers for them.

29;3
Some people say that they can communicate with the dead. But this is impossible. As we just learned, the dead “know nothing at all.” Those who think that they are communicating with dead loved ones may actually be communicating with demons who pretend to be people who have died. So knowing the truth about death protects us from the demons. Jehovah warns us about trying to communicate with the dead because he knows that contact with the demons will harm us.—Read Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
DIG DEEPER

Learn more about what the Bible teaches regarding death, and strengthen your faith in a loving God who does not torment those who have died.

29;3. Learn the true condition of the dead

Around the world, people have different beliefs about what happens when we die. Of course, not all of those beliefs can be true.

What beliefs about the condition of the dead are common in your area?

To see what the Bible teaches, play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: What Is the Condition of the Dead?—Excerpt (1:19)
Collage: Scenes from the video ‘What Is the Condition of the Dead?—Excerpt.’ 1. A corpse lies on a hospital bed. 2. A man sleeps between two people while traveling by train.

Read Ecclesiastes 3:20, and then discuss these questions:

According to this verse, what happens when a person dies?

Does any part of a person survive death?

The Bible tells us about the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus. As you read John 11:11-14, notice how Jesus referred to the condition of Lazarus. Then discuss these questions:

To what did Jesus compare death?

What does this comparison tell us about the condition of the dead?

Do you find the Bible’s description of death to be reasonable?

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29:4
4. The truth about death benefits us

Knowing the truth about death frees us from fear of the dead. Read Ecclesiastes 9:10, and then discuss this question:

Can the dead harm us?

Bible truth also protects us from the belief that the dead must be appeased or even worshipped. Read Isaiah 8:19 and Revelation 4:11, and then discuss this question:

How do you think Jehovah feels about a person who worships or seeks the help of someone who has died?

29;5
5. The truth about death comforts us

Many people have been taught that when they die, they will suffer as a result of their past actions. But it comforts us to know that no one suffers after death—not even someone who has done very bad things. Read Romans 6:7, and then discuss this question:

If, as we read in the Bible, death acquits, or releases, a person from sin, do you think anyone who has died is suffering because of past mistakes?

The more we get to know Jehovah, the more we realize that he would never allow the dead to suffer. Read Deuteronomy 32:4 and 1 John 4:8, and then discuss these questions:

Would a God with the qualities mentioned in these verses ever approve of tormenting those who have died?

Do you find the truth about death to be comforting? Why?

29;6
SUMMARY

When a person dies, his life ends. The dead do not suffer, nor can they harm the living.
Review

What happens when we die?

How does the truth about death benefit us?

How does the truth about death comfort us?

Lesson completed on:
Goal
Try to memorize one scripture from this lesson so that you can explain the condition of the dead.
Other:
Your other goal
EXPLORE

See what the word “soul” really means in the Bible.

“What Is the Soul?” (Web article)

Find out if God uses hell to punish the wicked.

Is Hell a Real Place of Torment? (3:07)

Do we ever need to be afraid of the dead?

Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? (brochure)

Find out how a man was comforted when he learned the truth about what happens when we die.

“I Was Impressed by the Bible’s Clear, Logical Answers” (The Watchtower, February 1, 2015)

EXPLORE

See what the word “soul” really means in the Bible.

“What Is the Soul?” (Web article)

Find out if God uses hell to punish the wicked.

Is Hell a Real Place of Torment? (3:07)

Do we ever need to be afraid of the dead?

Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? (brochure)

Find out how a man was comforted when he learned the truth about what happens when we die.

“I Was Impressed by the Bible’s Clear, Logical Answers” (The Watchtower, February 1, 2015)

LESSON 30
Your Loved Ones Can Live Again

Death causes much grief and sadness. That is why the Bible calls death an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) In Lesson 27, you learned that Jehovah will defeat that enemy. But what will happen to the people who have already died? In this lesson, you will learn more about another wonderful promise of Jehovah—he will bring billions of people back to enjoy life forever. He will resurrect them! Can that really happen? Will they be resurrected to live in heaven or on earth?
1. What does Jehovah want to do for our loved ones who have died?

Jehovah longs to bring people who have died back to life. A man of faith named Job was confident that God would not forget him when he died. He said to God: “You will call, and I will answer you [from the Grave].”—Read Job 14:13-15.

30;2. How do we know that the dead can be resurrected?

When Jesus was on earth, God gave him the power to resurrect people. Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl and a widow’s son back to life. (Mark 5:41, 42; Luke 7:12-15) Later, Jesus’ friend Lazarus died. Although Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days, Jesus brought him back to life. After praying to God, Jesus simply cried out toward the tomb: “Lazarus, come out!” And “the man who had been dead came out”—alive! (John 11:43, 44) Imagine how happy Lazarus’ family and friends were!

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30;3
3. What hope is there for your loved ones who have died?

The Bible promises: “There is going to be a resurrection.” (Acts 24:15) Those whom Jesus resurrected in the past had not gone to heaven. (John 3:13) They were happy to be brought back to life right here on earth. Likewise, Jesus will soon resurrect billions to enjoy life forever on a paradise earth. He said that “all those in the memorial tombs”—even those who may seem to be forgotten but are in God’s memory—will be resurrected.—John 5:28, 29.

DIG DEEPER

Examine the evidence from the Bible that the dead can and will be resurrected. Learn how the resurrection can bring you comfort and give you hope.
Lazarus being resurrected by Jesus while others watch in amazement.
30;4. Jesus proved that he can resurrect the dead

Learn more about what Jesus did for his friend Lazarus. Read John 11:14, 38-44, and then discuss these questions:

How do we know that Lazarus was really dead?—See verse 39.

If Lazarus had gone to heaven, do you think that Jesus would have brought him back to life on earth?

Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: Jesus Resurrects Lazarus (1:16)

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30;4. Jesus proved that he can resurrect the dead

Learn more about what Jesus did for his friend Lazarus. Read John 11:14, 38-44, and then discuss these questions:

How do we know that Lazarus was really dead?—See verse 39.

If Lazarus had gone to heaven, do you think that Jesus would have brought him back to life on earth?

Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: Jesus Resurrects Lazarus (1:16)

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30;5. Many will be resurrected!

Read Psalm 37:29, and then discuss this question:

Where will the billions who will be resurrected live?

Jesus will resurrect many more than just the ones who worshipped Jehovah. Read Acts 24:15, and then discuss this question:

Whom would you like to see come back to life?

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Who's going to to build/provide housing for them?

30;6. The resurrection can bring you comfort and give you hope

The Bible account of Jairus’ daughter has comforted and encouraged many who grieve. Read that true story at Luke 8:40-42, 49-56.

Before resurrecting Jairus’ daughter, Jesus told her father: “Have no fear, only have faith.” (See verse 50.) How might the hope of the resurrection help you . . .

when a loved one dies?

when your life is in danger?

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

VIDEO: The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage—How? (3:21)
Collage: Scenes from the video ‘The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage—How?’ 1. A sister comforts Veronica at a congregation meeting the day after Phelicity died. 2. Veronica and one of her daughters comfort a woman by using the Bible.

How has the resurrection hope comforted and encouraged Phelicity’s parents?

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SOME PEOPLE SAY: “The idea of a resurrection sounds too good to be true.”

What do you think?

What scripture could you use to show that there is going to be a resurrection?

SUMMARY

The Bible promises that billions who have died will be resurrected. Jehovah wants them to live again, and he has given Jesus the power to resurrect them.
Review

How do Jehovah and Jesus feel about bringing the dead back to life?

Where will billions of resurrected people live—in heaven or on earth? Why do you say so?

What convinces you that your loved ones can live again?

EXPLORE

Learn what practical steps you can take to cope with grief.

“Help for Those Who Grieve” (Awake! No. 3 2018)

Can Bible principles really help someone who is grieving?

When a Loved One Dies (5:06)

How can children cope with the death of a loved one?

The Ransom (2:07)

Will anyone be resurrected to heaven? Who will not be resurrected?

“What Is the Resurrection?” (Web article)