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

“CONSIDER CLOSELY THE ONE WHO HAS ENDURED” 71
in Chapter 3, they demonstrated a persistent desire for
prominence. (Matthew 20:20-24; Luke 9:46) Jesus counseled
them more than once about the need for humility.
(Matthew 18:1-6; 20:25-28) Yet, they were slow to respond.
Why, on his final night with them, they got into
“a heated dispute” about who was the greatest among
them! (Luke 22:24) Did Jesus give up on them, reasoning
that they were beyond hope? No. Ever patient, he remained
positive and hopeful, continuing to see the good
in them. He knew that at heart they loved Jehovah and
really wanted to do His will.—Luke 22:25-27.
13 We may face tests that are similar to those that Jesus
endured. For example, we may encounter people who
are unresponsive or even opposed to the Kingdom message.
Will we allow such negative reactions to dampen
our spirits, or will we continue to preach with zeal? (Titus
2:14) We may be tested as a result of the imperfections
of our Christian brothers. A thoughtless word or careless
deed may hurt our feelings. (Proverbs 12:18) Will we let
the shortcomings of fellow believers cause us to give up
on them, or will we continue to put up with their faults
and look for the good in them?—Colossians 3:13.
Why Jesus Endured
14 What helped Jesus to stand firm and keep his integrity
despite all the indignities, disappointments, and
sufferings he faced? There are two outstanding factors
that sustained Jesus. First, he looked above, appealing to
“the God who supplies endurance.” (Romans 15:5) Second,
Jesus looked ahead, focusing on what his endurance
would lead to. Let us consider these factors one at a time.
13. We may face what tests that are similar to those that Jesus endured?
14. What two factors helped Jesus to stand firm?