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

“JESUS...LOVEDTHEMTOTHEEND” 163
weak.” Jesus remained patient that evening, even when he
came and found them asleep not one but two more times!
—Matthew 26:36-46.
6 It is encouraging to note that Jesus did not give up on his
apostles. His patience eventually bore fruit, for these faithful
men learned the importance of being both humble and
vigilant. (1 Peter 3:8; 4:7) How can we imitate Jesus in our
dealings with others? Elders especially need to exercise patience.
Fellow believers may approach an elder with their
problems when the elder himself is tired out or distracted
by his own concerns. At times, those in need of help may
be slow to respond to counsel. Nevertheless, patient elders
will instruct “with mildness” and will “treat the flock with
tenderness.” (2 Timothy 2:24, 25; Acts 20:28, 29) Parents
also do well to imitate Jesus in showing patience, for at
times children may be slow to respond to counsel or correction.
Love and patience will help parents not to give up
in their efforts to train their children. The rewards of such
patience can be great indeed.—Psalm 127:3.
Caring for Their Needs
7 Love is evidenced by unselfish deeds. (1 John 3:17, 18) It
“does not look for its own interests.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Love moved Jesus to care for the physical and material
needs of his disciples. He often acted in their behalf even
before they voiced their needs. When he saw that they
were tired, he suggested that they accompany him “privately
into a lonely place and rest up a bit.” (Mark 6:31) When
he sensed that they were hungry, he took the initiative to
feed them—along with thousands of others who had come
to hear him teach.—Matthew 14:19, 20; 15:35-37.
6. How can we imitate Jesus in our dealings with others?
7. In what ways did Jesus care for the physical and material needs of
his disciples?