Short responses and comments for the lessons of this week’s book.
Book Study lessons chapter 70: Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus
Commentary 1
The birth of Jesus occurred in very humble circumstances. He was not born in a palace or in an important place in the eyes of the world, but in a stable. That already makes it clear what kind of King he would be: a close, simple and chosen by Jehovah, not by human greatness.
Commentary 2
It is interesting that Caesar Augustus gives a political order, but in the end that decision fits perfectly with the purpose of Jehovah. Although the Roman emperor did not know, his decree helped Jesus to be born exactly where he was prophesied.
Commentary 3
Maria and Joseph had to travel at a very delicate time, just when little was missing for birth. That must have been uncomfortable and tired, but it shows that many times Jehovah fulfills his purpose even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Commentary 4
That Jesus was lying in a manger is very moved, because he remembers that the Son of God began his human life with great humility. From the beginning it is noted that Jehovah was not highlighting comfort, but the value of the mission of his Son.
Commentary 5
The first to receive the announcement were not important rulers or priests, but pastors. That says a lot about Jehovah: he values sincere and simple people, and can give them very special privileges even if others overlook them.
Commentary 6
The apparition of the angel had to be shocking, because the shepherds were surrounded by the glory of Jehovah. But the message begins calmly: Don’t be afraid. Jehovah did not want to terrorize them, but to fill their heart with joy.
Commentary 7
Then there is a multitude of angels praising God. It is a precious scene because it shows that the birth of Jesus was not a small fact; it was a moment that heaven itself celebrated with joy and recognition to Jehovah.
Commentary 8
The shepherds reacted right away. They were not just commenting, but went to Bethlehem to check what they had heard. That’s very nice: when Jehovah gives direction or good news, it’s worth answering without delay.
Commentary 9
When they found Joseph, Mary and the baby, they probably understood that they were seeing something historic. Then they told what they had heard, and that left people amazed. Jehovah turned them into messengers of extraordinary news.
Commentary 10
Mary kept those words in her heart and kept thinking about them. This detail shows a very spiritual attitude: not to live the acts of Jehovah superficially, but to meditate on them, to value them and to preserve them with gratitude.
Substantial Questions 70: Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus
How did the angels announce the birth of Jesus?
Response A
He was announced to appear to some shepherds near Bethlehem and telling them that the Messiah was born.
Response B
An angel told the shepherds the news, and then a multitude of angels appeared praising God.
Response C
The angels surrounded the shepherds with the glory of Jehovah and proclaimed that Jesus, the Messiah, was born that day.
Who did the shepherds find in Bethlehem?
Response A
They found Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus.
Response B
They found Mary and Joseph with the newborn child in the place where they were staying.
Response C
They found the baby Jesus with his parents, as the angel had told them.
Book Study lesson chapter 71: Jehovah protects Jesus
Commentary 1
This lesson makes it very clear that from a very young age Jesus was at the heart of the purpose of Jehovah, but also in the sights of the opposition. The birth of the future King did not go unnoticed, and enemies immediately appeared.
Commentary 2
The men of the East followed a star, but the account itself shows that Jehovah was not leading that journey to Herod. In fact, that visit ended up endangering Jesus. That helps to understand that not everything that is striking or impressive comes from God.
Commentary 3
Herod was bothered to hear of a new king. He did not react with spiritual interest, but with fear of losing power. Once again it is seen that pride and ambition make a person an enemy of the purpose of Jehovah.
Commentary 4
The priests knew where the Messiah should be born: in Bethlehem. They knew the prophecy, but that doesn’t mean everyone was acting with faith. Knowing biblical data is not enough; we must respond well to them.
Commentary 5
Herod lied to say he wanted to bow to the child. His words sounded religious, but his intention was to kill him. That remembers that not everyone who speaks well seems to have good intentions.
Commentary 6
The men of the East found Jesus in a house and brought valuable gifts. Yet the main point is not those present, but Jehovah did not allow them to serve the plans of Herod.
Commentary 7
Jehovah’s protection is clearly seen when he warns Joseph in a dream. Joseph does not discuss or delay obedience; he gets up and leaves right away with his family. His quick reaction was part of Jehovah’s protection.
Commentary 8
The men of the East were also warned not to return to Herod. Jehovah not only protects Jesus in one way, but from several at once. As Herod planned the damage, Jehovah was already closing his way.
Commentary 9
The cruelty of Herod in ordering the children of Bethlehem to be killed is greatly moved. But even that evil couldn’t stop what Jehovah had decided. Jesus was safe in Egypt, just as Jehovah had commanded.
Commentary 10
When Herod dies, Jehovah speaks again to Joseph and tells him to return. So the family returns and settles in Nazareth. All this chapter conveys a lot of security: what Jehovah proposes, protects, guides it and takes it to an end.
Subsumption questions 71: Jehovah protects Jesus
Why was Jesus in danger?
Response A
He was in danger because Herod wanted to kill him when he learned that the future king of the Jews was born.
Response B
Jesus was in danger because of the envy and fear of Herod, who did not want to have a rival on the throne.
Response C
The danger arose because Herod, knowing about the child’s birth, planned to find him and end him.
What did Jehovah do to protect him?
Response A
He warned Joseph in a dream to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt.
Response B
Jehovah prevented the men from the East from returning to Herod and sent the family to leave the country immediately.
He protected him by guiding Joseph with clear instructions, moving Jesus away from Herod and allowing them to return when the danger had already passed.
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