Come Be My Follower - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site

“GREAT CROWDS APPROACHED HIM” 149
HowCanYouFollowJesus?
˘ Why might our asking questions and listening carefully to
answers move people to approach us?—Matthew 16:13-17.
˘ How did Jesus prove to be approachable even when his privacy
was interrupted, and how might we follow his example?
—Mark 6:31-34.
˘ How did Jesus view nonbelievers, and how will imitating
his balanced view make us approachable?—Luke 5:29-32.
˘ In what way will imitating Jesus’ positive view of people
help us to become more approachable?—John 1:47.
such protection, refreshment, and relief only if he remains
approachable. Granted, doing so is not always
easy, for elders bear a heavy load of responsibility in
these difficult times. Still, elders strive never to appear
too busy to care for the needs of Jehovah’s sheep. (1 Peter
5:2) Other members of the congregation try to be reasonable
in what they expect of such faithful men, showing
a humble and cooperative spirit.—Hebrews 13:17.
21 Parents seek to be ever available to their children. So
much is at stake! They want their children to know that
it is safe to confide in Father or Mother. Thus, Christian
parents are careful to be mild and reasonable, not overreacting
when a child confesses to a mistake or displays
some faulty thinking. As parents patiently train their
children, they strive to keep the lines of communication
open. Really, all of us want to remain approachable,
as Jesus was. In the next chapter, we will discuss Jesus’
heartfelt compassion—one of the principal qualities that
made him approachable.
21. How can parents remain accessible to their children, and what
will we consider in the next chapter?