Book Study lesson chapter 72: The young Jesus

Commentary 1

The Nazareth scene conveys a lot of normality: a humble family, a hardworking father and a constant spiritual routine. That helps to see that Jehovah wanted Jesus to grow in a simple, but stable, home focused on worship.

Commentary 2

Joseph not only kept the family with his office; he also taught the Law of Jehovah. This highlights how important it is that at home there is not only material sustenance, but also spiritual teaching.

Commentary 3

The custom of going to Jerusalem every year for the Passover shows that this family did not worship Jehovah only when he could, but with regularity and conviction. Spirituality was seen in their habits.

Commentary 4

When Jesus is 12 years old, he does not appear as a distracted or selfless child, but as someone deeply attracted to the things of his Father. As a young man you see where his heart was tilted.

Commentary 5

Joseph and Mary thought that Jesus was going with the group, and when they realized that he was not there, they returned immediately to look for him. That anguish makes them very human and remembers that even faithful parents can spend moments of great concern.

Commentary 6

The fact that it took three days to find him must have been tough. But when they finally find him, he is not lost or scared, but in the temple, listening and asking questions. That says a lot about what really filled his mind.

Commentary 7

The teachers were not only surprised that Jesus spoke, but of the depth of his answers. It is noticeable that it was not superficial curiosity; he understood the Law of Jehovah well and knew how to think of it clearly.

Commentary 8

Jesus’ answer to Mary is very significant: I have to be in my Father’s house. He is not being disrespectful; he is showing that he already understood in a special way who his true Father was and what would be the center of his life.

Commentary 9

Even so, Jesus returned with his parents to Nazareth. That shows a precious balance: he was clear about his relationship with Jehovah, but he remained obedient within his family. True spirituality never produces arrogance.

Commentary 10

The closing of the story is very nice: Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and in the affection of God and people. His development was not only physical; he was spiritual, moral and human. The more it grew, the more you noticed the quality of the education I was receiving.

Lesson Questions 72: The Young Jesus

Where did Joseph and Mary find Jesus?

Commentary 1
They found him in the temple of Jerusalem.

Commentary 2
I was sitting in the middle of the teachers, listening and asking questions.

Commentary 3
They found him not among relatives or acquaintances, but in the place of worship.

Commentary 4
They found him in the temple, very focused on spiritual matters.

Commentary 5
After searching for him for three days, he was seen in the temple talking to law teachers.

Why was he there?

Commentary 1
For he felt a strong attraction to the things of his Father, Jehovah.

Commentary 2
I was there because I wanted to learn, listen and talk about God’s Law.

Commentary 3
Jesus himself explained it: he had to be in his Father’s house.

Commentary 4
He was not there by chance, but because he already valued much worship and spiritual wisdom.

Commentary 5
His presence in the temple showed that, although young, his heart was centered on Jehovah and his purpose.

Book Study Lesson Chapter 73: John Prepares the Way to Jesus

Commentary 1

John was chosen by Jehovah for a very concrete mission: to prepare the people for the arrival of the Messiah. That already shows the importance of his work, because he did not come to draw attention to himself, but to pave the way for another.

Commentary 2

It is interesting that he preached in the desert and not in the most visible religious centers. Sometimes Jehovah makes an important message come out of an unexpected place, to make it clear that power is in the message, not on stage.

Commentary 3

The heart of his preaching was repentance. John did not offer a comfortable religion, but a clear call to change. Preparing to receive the Messiah meant leaving behind a bad life.

Commentary 4

Many responded sincerely, and that was noticed when they repented and were baptized. The teaching was not left in beautiful words; it produced visible actions.

Commentary 5

John’s way of life also reinforced his message. He led a simple and austere life, without seeking comfort or appearance. His style said, “I am here to serve Jehovah, not to impress.”

Commentary 6

When they were the Pharisees and Sadducees, John did not treat them with flattery. He saw that his problem was not a lack of information, but pride and false spiritual security. That’s why he spoke to them so firmly.

Commentary 7

John made it clear that it was not enough to boast of Abraham’s offspring. Jehovah is not impressed with religious labels; he sees the attitude, repentance and fruits that produce a changed life.

Commentary 8

He also taught that pleasing God has practical effects: sharing with the needy, being honored, not accepting bribes or lying. The spirituality that Jehovah approves always touches daily behavior.

Commentary 9

When asked who he was, John responded with great humility. It was defined as a voice, not as the central figure. That modesty embellishes his example, because he knew well what his place was.

Commentary 10

His final sentence sums up his entire mission: someone more powerful came after him. John baptized with water, but the Messiah would bring something much higher. Thus he maintained the focus where he should be: in Jesus, not in himself.

Lesson Questions 73: John prepares the way for Jesus

What did Jehovah use John for?

Commentary 1
Jehovah used it to announce that the Messiah was about to come.

Commentary 2
He used it to prepare people’s hearts through a message of repentance.

Commentary 3
John had the mission of directing people to Jehovah and leaving them ready to receive Jesus.

Commentary 4
He was a prophet sent to pave the way for the Messiah, as it had been predicted.

Commentary 5
Jehovah used it to awaken people spiritually and help them change before the arrival of Christ.

What did people do when they heard your message?

Commentary 1
Many repented of their sins.

Commentary 2
Many accepted his message and were baptized in the Jordan River.

Commentary 3
People started asking what they had to do to please God.

Commentary 4
Some changed their behavior and sought to be more generous, honest and clean.

Commentary 5
John’s message prompted many people to take their relationship with Jehovah seriously and prepare for the arrival of the Messiah.