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

188
“COMEBEMYFOLLOWER”
But the joy, the relief, the strengthening of faith that
such miracles brought about meant nothing to those
men. How did Jesus feel about them? He once looked
“around upon them with indignation, being thoroughly
grieved at the insensibility of their hearts.”—Mark 3:5.
16 Today, Jesus sees far more to make him feel “thoroughly
grieved.” The leaders of Christendom are blinded
by their devotion to traditions and doctrines that are
at odds with the Scriptures. Further, they are enraged by
the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom. In
many parts of the world, the clergy have fomented vicious
persecution against those Christians who sincerely
try to preach the message that Jesus preached. (John
16:2; Revelation 18:4, 24) At the same time, such clergymen
often exhort their own followers to go to war and
take the lives of others—as if doing so would please Jesus
Christ!
17 In contrast, Jesus’ genuine followers endeavor to
show love to their fellow man. They share the good news
with “all sorts of men,” just as Jesus did, despite opposition.
(1 Timothy 2:4) And the love they show to one
another is outstanding; it is their chief identifying mark.
(John 13:34, 35) As they treat their fellow Christians with
love, respect, and dignity, they are truly following Jesus
—and making the heart of the Messianic King rejoice!
18 Let us also keep in mind that our Master is distressed
when his followers fail to endure, letting their love for Jehovah
cool off and giving up as His servants. (Revelation
2:4, 5) However, Jesus is pleased with those who endure
to the end. (Matthew 24:13) By all means, then, let us
keep ever in mind Christ’s command: “Continue follow-
17. How do Jesus’ genuine followers make his heart rejoice?
18. What distresses our Master, yet how may we please him?