Bible reading: JEREMIAH 31
🎵 Song 27 — opens in JW Library
Jehovah promised to replace the Mosaic Law covenant with “a new covenant” that would have much broader and long-term benefits (Jer 31:31, 32; jr 169 ¶4)
The new covenant would be between Jehovah and the Israel of God and would provide a legal basis for forgiveness of sins (Jer 31:33, 34; jr 171 ¶9)
Christians who are not part of the Israel of God also benefit from the new covenant (w10 3/15 27 ¶14; jr 177 ¶18)
Why these scriptures
“Look! The days are coming,” declares Jehovah, “when I will make with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant.
It will not be like the covenant that I made with their forefathers on the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, ‘my covenant that they broke, although I was their true master,’ declares Jehovah.”
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares Jehovah. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”
“And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”
🗺️ Places: Judea (southern West Bank / Israel), Egypt (Ain Shams)
Referenced material
Jer 31:15—What are the possible fulfillments of this prophecy? (it “Ramah” No. 1 ¶3)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
Why these scriptures
“This is what Jehovah says: ‘A voice is heard in Raʹmah, lamentation and bitter weeping: Rachel is weeping over her sons. She has refused to be comforted over her sons, Because they are no more.’”
🗺️ Places: Mount Ephraim (Beitin), Jerusalem (Jerusalem, Israel), Ramah (Er-Ram, West Bank), Judea (southern West Bank / Israel), Egypt (Ain Shams), Corner Gate (Jerusalem), Tower of Hananel (Antonia Fortress), Gareb (Jerusalem), Goah (Jerusalem), Horse Gate (Jerusalem)
Referenced material
Why these scriptures
31 “At that time,” declares Jehovah, “I will become God to all the families of Israel, and they will become my people.”
This is what Jehovah says: “The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness When Israel was walking to his resting-place.”
From far away Jehovah appeared to me and said: “I have loved you with an everlasting love. That is why I have drawn you to me with loyal love.
Yet again I will rebuild you and you will be rebuilt. O virgin of Israel, you will again take up your tambourines And go forth dancing joyfully.
You will again plant vineyards in the mountains of Sa·marʹi·a; The planters will plant and enjoy their fruit.
For the day will come when the watchmen in the mountains of Eʹphra·im will call out: ‘Rise up, let us go up to Zion, to Jehovah our God.’”
For this is what Jehovah says: “Cry out to Jacob with rejoicing. Shout for joy because you are over the nations. Proclaim it; offer praise and say, ‘O Jehovah, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’
I am bringing them back from the land of the north. I will gather them together from the remotest parts of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, The pregnant woman and the one giving birth, all together. As a great congregation they will return here.
They will come weeping. I will lead them as they beg for favor. I will guide them to streams of water, On a level path that will not make them stumble. For I am a Father to Israel, and Eʹphra·im is my firstborn.”
Hear the word of Jehovah, you nations, And proclaim it among the islands far away: “The One who scattered Israel will gather him together. He will watch over him as a shepherd does his flock.
For Jehovah will redeem Jacob And rescue him out of the hand of the one stronger than he is.
🗺️ Places: Mount Ephraim (Beitin), Jerusalem (Jerusalem, Israel)
Referenced material
HOUSE TO HOUSE. Use the direct approach to offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
Referenced material
INFORMAL WITNESSING. Use ijwyp article 106 to help a classmate who is distressed because he feels the teacher is being mean. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
Referenced material
Talk. ijwfq article 37—Theme: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Maintain Political Neutrality? (th study 14)
Referenced material
🎵 Song 67 — opens in JW Library
Discussion.
We can be adaptable in the ministry by anticipating situations that we may encounter and preparing for them. However, at times the householder will bring up something that we are not ready to discuss. What tool can help us to adjust the conversation quickly?
Play the VIDEO “Iron Sharpens Iron”—Effective Use of JW.ORG—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:
Imagine that you are preaching from house to house during the campaign and a householder tells you that he does not believe in God because he felt abandoned by Him when he experienced a personal tragedy.
Before giving a witness, how could we demonstrate empathy?—Jas 1:19
What scripture might you share? How would you find that scripture on jw.org?
If a scripture does not quickly come to mind, what would you type in the search box to find helpful information?
If you do not have access to jw.org or JW Library®, how would you try to help the householder?
🎬 Play the VIDEO — opens in JW Library
Why these scriptures
Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,
Referenced material
🎵 Song 132 — opens in JW Library
Comments are AI-generated study aids, not published material. Program text and references are © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania; follow the links above to read them on jw.org.