Watchtower Study for the Week of December 14-20, 2026

Let Us Value Our Role in Modern-Day Miracles

1, 2. a) What are some miracles mentioned in the Bible?

Matthew 15:31 — So the crowd felt amazement as they saw the speechless speaking and the maimed being made sound and the lame walking and the blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Answer 1: Matthew 15:31 mentions healings that enabled many people to speak, walk, and see. These were not simply exciting events; those who witnessed them recognized that God’s power was behind them and gave him glory. This teaches us to look beyond the benefit produced by each miracle and think about what it revealed about Jehovah.

Answer 2: One miracle occurred when Jehovah opened the Red Sea so that his people could escape from the Egyptians. It is impressive to think what it would have meant to be there and see an escape that only God could provide. When we remember that event, we do not think only about something extraordinary in the past; we also value Jehovah’s power to help his servants.

Answer 3: Jesus not only healed the sick but also resurrected the dead. The article invites us to imagine how exciting it would have been to witness those works. They were clear demonstrations of God’s power. Thinking about them helps us appreciate that the Bible’s miracles were not unimportant stories for our faith but proof of what Jehovah can do.

Answer 4: The opening of the Red Sea, healings, and resurrections are some examples. Although they were different miracles, they had something in common: a sincere person could recognize that they were works of God. That detail is important, because it is not enough to admire how extraordinary an event is. We must also be willing to recognize Jehovah’s intervention and give him the credit.

1, 2. b) What is a miracle, and what role can we have? (1 Corinthians 3:9)

1 Corinthians 3:9 — For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.

Answer 1: A miracle is an extraordinary work accomplished through God’s power. First Corinthians 3:9 helps us understand our role: Jehovah allows us to work along with him. We do not provide the power for these miracles, but we can participate in the work he is doing. That makes our cooperation a real honor.

Answer 2: The miracles presented in the article are works that would not be possible without Jehovah’s support. Today we see that support in the growth, unity, and love of his people. Our role is not merely to observe them with admiration. We can cooperate by preaching, contributing to the congregation’s peace, and showing love to others.

Answer 3: We can be participants, not mere spectators. That is an encouraging difference between imagining that we are witnessing a miracle of the past and thinking about modern-day miracles. Jehovah allows us to contribute through our preaching and the way we treat our brothers. Thus, activities that may seem routine acquire special value.

Answer 4: Our role combines responsibility and humility. We have responsibility because we can work actively with Jehovah instead of leaving everything to others. We need humility because the results are due to his power, not our ability. Understanding both things helps us work joyfully while always giving Jehovah credit for what is accomplished.

3. Why can we say that Jehovah’s people have become “a mighty nation”? (Isaiah 60:22; see also the pictures.)

Isaiah 60:22 — The little one will become a thousand And the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.”

Answer 1: Isaiah announced extraordinary growth, and the article shows how it has been fulfilled. In 1914 there were about five thousand people serving Jehovah; now there are more than nine million. This contrast helps us recognize that Jehovah has supported the growth of his people. The main point is not to admire the number but to value the fulfillment of his word.

Answer 2: We can say this because of both the number of Jehovah’s servants and their presence throughout the earth. More than 130 countries have fewer inhabitants than our people, and we serve Jehovah in more than 240 countries and territories. Although we are few compared with other religions, this worldwide growth shows how significant the increase has been.

Answer 3: The pictures make the change easier to appreciate. We see brothers in 1914 and then a great crowd at an international convention. We also see preaching and baptism. This reminds us that behind the figures are people who have come to know and love Jehovah. The growth is not merely a statistic; it represents lives devoted to serving him.

4. Why is it remarkable that we have grown so much?

Matthew 28:19-20 — Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Answer 1: Jesus linked baptism with making disciples and teaching them to obey his commands. Therefore, our growth is remarkable: it is not simply a matter of adding people. Those who become disciples receive instruction and make changes to live according to the Bible. Each new disciple represents much more than a number.

Answer 2: It is remarkable because Jehovah’s moral standards have not been lowered to attract more people. Before becoming publishers, we study the Bible and bring our lives into harmony with its teachings. For many, this means making profound changes in the way they think and act. The increase occurs without failing to respect what Jehovah considers right.

Answer 3: The article points out that we do not increase our numbers by baptizing babies. Dedication and baptism come after learning what Jehovah expects and making the necessary changes. The person decides to promise him that he will do His will no matter what. Thus, the growth reflects personal, conscious decisions to serve Jehovah.

Answer 4: The process described in the paragraph is significant: first we study and change our conduct; then we qualify to preach and, in time, dedicate ourselves and get baptized. We are not seeking the easiest way to increase. Thinking about this process helps us value the effort of those who are learning and recognize the importance of their spiritual progress.

5. What did Jesus say would happen to his followers?

Matthew 16:24 — Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and keep following me.

Answer 1: Jesus explained that following him would require self-denial and a willingness to suffer for the faith, even to the point of death. He did not present discipleship as a life without difficulties. Remembering his warning helps us not to be surprised by opposition and to understand why it is so significant that so many people continue choosing to serve Jehovah.

Answer 2: He warned that they would be brought before governors and kings. Opposition would not be limited to unpleasant comments; some would have to defend their faith before authorities. Jesus was clear about the difficulties his disciples would face. Remembering this helps us see that opposition does not mean Jehovah has stopped supporting his people.

Answer 3: He also warned that they would face opposition from influential religious leaders. Some persecutors would even think they were rendering sacred service to God. This shows how intense persecution could become. Still, Jesus expected his followers to remain faithful. Therefore, the growth of his disciples cannot be explained as though conditions had always been favorable.

Answer 4: Jesus said that in some cases a follower’s own family would oppose him. This can be especially painful because it comes from those closest to us. He did not hide this possibility but prepared his disciples to face it. His words help us better understand what some brothers endure and value the faith they show by continuing to serve Jehovah.

6. Why did opposition fail to stop the work of the first-century Christians?

Acts 1:8 — But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.”

Answer 1: The work continued because Jehovah gave them power through his holy spirit, as Jesus had promised. The disciples did not depend only on personal courage to face persecution. They had divine help to continue bearing witness. This explains why opposition could not stop them and reminds us where the strength to persevere comes from.

Answer 2: Gamaliel identified the basic issue: if the work had human origins, it would fail; but if it came from God, its opposers could not stop it. What happened afterward confirmed that reasoning. Despite persecution, the disciples continued to increase. The explanation was that Jehovah was supporting the work.

Answer 3: The opposition did not fail because the religious leaders stopped persecuting Christians. They continued doing so after releasing the apostles. However, Jehovah helped his servants endure and keep preaching. This teaches us that his support does not always remove the trial; it can also be seen in our ability to remain faithful while facing it.

Answer 4: The result showed that Jehovah was with them: the number of disciples continued to grow. Arrests and threats could not prevent more people from accepting the faith. When reading this account, we should observe not only the strength of the persecutors but also what Jehovah made possible despite all that pressure.

Answer 5: Jehovah helped his people in two ways emphasized by the paragraph: to endure and to grow. He not only enabled Christians to preserve their faith under pressure; he also supported the spread of the message. Opposition was real and serious, but it could not cancel God’s purpose or stop the work he was directing.

7. How do Jesus’ disciples today imitate the example of the first-century Christians? (See also the box “Increase Despite Persecution.”)

Psalms 27:10 — Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in.

Answer 1: They imitate them by continuing to serve Jehovah even when their own family rejects them. Psalm 27:10 expresses the confidence they can have in God’s care in such a painful situation. Rejection still hurts, but they are not alone. This assurance enables them to remain faithful, as the early Christians did.

Answer 2: Today many people accept the truth even though they know they may suffer rejection from relatives, workmates, or others. Like the first-century Christians, they do not let opposition decide for them. Their love for Jehovah weighs more than the desire to avoid difficulties. This shows that their faith does not depend on having a comfortable life.

Answer 3: They imitate the early Christians by relying on Jehovah’s power, not merely on their own strength. God gives them the strength needed to endure difficulties that they might not be able to bear alone. This helps us avoid thinking that only strong-willed people can be faithful. What matters is loving Jehovah and trusting in his help.

Answer 4: Their example resembles that of the first disciples because they continue out of love and trust. They love Jehovah and are convinced that he will fulfill his promise to care for them. They do not seek suffering, but neither do they abandon their faith to avoid opposition. This helps us appreciate why the article presents their growth as a miracle.

8. How do we cooperate in the miracle of the growth of God’s people?

Matthew 28:20 — teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Answer 1: We cooperate by sharing in the preaching work and helping others learn what Jesus taught. Matthew 28:20 assures us that we have his constant support. Our participation is therefore not an isolated effort. Although we recognize our limitations, we can preach confidently, knowing that Jesus supports the work he has assigned us.

Answer 2: The paragraph says that we cooperate whenever we participate in any aspect of the preaching work. This helps us value our own contribution without comparing it with that of others. What matters is participating in the work Jehovah and Jesus are supporting. An activity we do frequently should never seem insignificant, because it is part of this extraordinary growth.

Answer 3: We can cooperate confidently because, in addition to Jehovah’s and Jesus’ support, we have the help of the angels. The article connects that help with the proclamation of the good news throughout the earth. This reminds us that the work does not depend solely on human resources and encourages us to continue participating enthusiastically.

Answer 4: We cooperate by moving from admiring the growth to sharing in the preaching work. Jehovah allows us to help others come to know and serve him. This changes how we view our ministry: it is not simply an activity we must perform but an opportunity to work with Jehovah and Jesus. Remembering this privilege can help us maintain our joy in preaching.

9, 10. How is Micah 2:12 being fulfilled?

Micah 2:12 — I will certainly gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely collect the remaining ones of Israel together. In unity I will place them, like sheep in the pen, Like a flock in its pasture; It will be noisy with people.’

Answer 1: Micah announced that Jehovah would gather his people in unity. Today we see this fulfillment in people of very different cultures and personalities who worship him harmoniously. Jehovah is the one gathering us, and his teachings enable us to form a united family despite our differences.

Answer 2: One specific fulfillment is that we receive the same spiritual food at meetings and assemblies, wherever we live. This common instruction helps us share the same way of thinking and acting. We are not disconnected groups with different teachings but one people listening to Jehovah. Therefore, we should highly value the spiritual food we receive.

Answer 3: The prophecy is also fulfilled when brothers from different backgrounds and nationalities work together at branch offices and on construction projects. Their unity is demonstrated by cooperating in the same work. Cultural differences do not have to prevent cooperation when everyone wants to serve Jehovah and apply what he teaches.

Answer 4: It is fulfilled in the help we can find among our brothers anywhere on earth. They are willing to support us both spiritually and physically. Thus, unity is something we can personally experience, not merely an idea. We belong to a worldwide family in which affection does not depend on nationality or economic position.

Answer 5: We see it in the fact that factors dividing many people do not separate Jehovah’s people. Culture, economic circumstances, and political ideas do not prevent us from worshipping together in peace. We need not have identical personalities. Our harmony shows the value of allowing Jehovah to teach us.

11. Why is our unity a miracle?

1 John 5:19 — We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.

Answer 1: First John 5:19 helps us understand the environment in which we live: the world is under Satan’s influence. Nevertheless, Jehovah’s servants continue worshipping him in unity. Our harmony should not be taken for granted. The contrast around us helps us recognize and appreciate Jehovah’s support.

Answer 2: It is a miracle because our unity exists in the midst of a deeply divided world. News reports constantly show conflicts, disturbances, and wars. We live in that same world, yet remain united in worshipping Jehovah. Jehovah helps us maintain peace despite our surroundings.

Answer 3: The Bible foretold attitudes that make peaceful coexistence difficult, such as disloyalty, pride, and unwillingness to agree. We see these attitudes around us, but among Jehovah’s people we learn a different way to treat others. This contrast shows that our unity is not ordinary or merely a human achievement.

Answer 4: The extraordinary thing is not simply that many people are gathered but that they continue worshipping Jehovah harmoniously despite living in an environment that promotes division. The article directs our attention to Jehovah’s power, not to any supposed personal superiority. This helps us remain humble and care for unity.

12. How can we contribute to the unity of Jehovah’s people?

Ephesians 4:2 — with all humility and mildness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,

Answer 1: Ephesians 4:2 shows that we contribute by cultivating humility, mildness, and patience. These qualities are needed when another person’s imperfections bother us. Rather than reacting harshly, we can treat the person lovingly and allow room for improvement. In this way we help protect the congregation’s peace.

Answer 2: We contribute by listening carefully to what Jehovah teaches and putting it into practice. Knowing that we should be patient or kind is not enough; unity is strengthened when these qualities appear in our daily conduct. Every effort to apply what we learn is a way of working with Jehovah.

Answer 3: A very practical way is to resist the temptation to spread gossip. It may seem like a small decision, but our words can affect relationships among the brothers. By avoiding harmful comments, we protect unity. Cooperating in this miracle includes knowing when not to repeat something and how to speak about others.

Answer 4: We also contribute by overlooking our brothers’ imperfections and forgiving. Unity does not require anyone to make no mistakes; it requires applying Jehovah’s teachings when difficulties arise. Choosing to forgive instead of feeding resentment or arguing is a real contribution to peace.

13. In what ways did the first-century Christians show love for one another? (John 13:35)

John 13:35 — By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”

Answer 1: The first Christians demonstrated the love that would identify Jesus’ disciples through practical help. They shared their possessions, cared for those in need, and supported those suffering persecution. Their love moved them to take an interest in what others were experiencing and to do something for them.

Answer 2: They shared what they had and distributed resources according to their brothers’ needs. They also cared for orphans and widows. Their help responded to real needs, not merely to what was convenient to offer. Their example encourages us to notice those facing difficulties and think about how we can support them.

Answer 3: They showed love by supporting Christians suffering persecution. Peter’s case shows that this included praying fervently for them. Even when they could not personally solve the situation, they did not ignore their brothers. Love is also expressed through sincere concern and prayers for those undergoing trials.

Answer 4: Even Christians with few resources sent financial help to their brothers. Their poverty did not extinguish their generosity or desire to cooperate. Love does not depend on having much but on wanting to share what one can. We value both the help given and the affection and sacrifice behind it.

14. In what ways do God’s servants show love today? (See also the pictures.)

1 Thessalonians 5:14 — On the other hand, we

Answer 1: First Thessalonians 5:14 teaches us to attend to others’ needs with patience. Love includes comforting and strengthening those who are discouraged or weak. Taking an interest in how a brother feels and offering spiritual or emotional support is a valuable way to show love.

Answer 2: We show love to non-Witnesses by preaching, as seen in the picture of the couple offering a magazine. We also support the work through voluntary donations. No one demands an amount, and we do not have to tithe. Both our time and our contributions can express the sincere desire that others learn about Jehovah.

Answer 3: The pictures show that love is expressed in different ways: preaching, making contributions, and helping with relief work. The brother giving water to a sister is meeting a specific need. Our worldwide family is united not only by what it believes but also by mutual care. We can ask what help is within our reach to offer.

15. Why is our love a miracle?

Matthew 24:10,12 — Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold.

Answer 1: Jesus foretold that betrayal and hatred would increase and that the love of many would grow cold. Yet true love continues among Jehovah’s servants. The article explains that this is possible because of God’s power. The contrast encourages us to appreciate his help and resist the coldness around us.

Answer 2: It is a miracle because we live in a society that promotes selfishness. Many give priority to themselves, money, or pleasures, as the Bible foretold. Jehovah teaches us to love him and take a genuine interest in others. Such love in a worldwide family demonstrates the effect of his power and instruction.

Answer 3: Even natural affection within families has weakened. In spite of this, Jehovah’s servants continue showing love to their brothers. With Jehovah’s help, we can resist negative influences. This moves us to protect love and express it consistently.

Answer 4: Our love is a miracle because it is not explained simply by each person’s good qualities. The article attributes it to Jehovah’s power. Recognizing this keeps us humble and grateful for what God teaches and helps us do. We give Jehovah the credit and continue striving to reflect his instruction.

16. In what ways do we show love for one another?

Mark 9:50 — Salt is fine, but if the salt ever loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and keep peace with one another.”

Answer 1: One way is by striving to maintain peace, as Jesus advised at Mark 9:50. Love is shown in how we speak and act, especially when something could cause tension. When our words and decisions promote peace, we care for our relationship with our brothers.

Answer 2: We can show love by sincerely thanking others for their good example. Rather than merely noticing what they do well, we can express it. This focuses our attention on their qualities and effort to serve Jehovah and shows that we value them.

Answer 3: We show love by making it a habit in our speech and conduct. It is not just an occasional kind gesture. When affection characterizes our regular dealings, others can recognize that we are Christ’s followers and that each day offers opportunities to contribute to this miracle.

17. What convinces you that Jehovah continues performing miracles today?

John 13:34 — I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another.

Answer 1: I am convinced by seeing brothers strive to love as Jesus taught, even in a world where such love is rare. John 13:34 gives us the model: Christ’s love. When that love is reflected in a worldwide family, we see the effect of Jehovah’s teaching and have reason to recognize his help.

Answer 2: I am convinced by the growth despite persecution. If everything depended on favorable circumstances, it would be difficult to explain why more people accept the truth amid opposition. Behind this increase we see Jehovah’s support. Difficulties remain, but he allows his work to move forward despite them.

Answer 3: For me, the contrast between the world’s division and the unity of our organization is very convincing. People from many countries and cultures worship Jehovah together and consider one another brothers. Seeing what Jehovah’s teaching achieves in such different people strengthens my confidence that he is supporting his people.

Answer 4: I am convinced when considering the three aspects together: growth, unity, and love. We see not merely an increase in numbers but a family that grows, remains united, and cares for one another in difficult circumstances. Jehovah also allows us to cooperate in all of this. This complete view helps us value what he is doing.

18. How do we feel when thinking about the miracles Jehovah is performing?

2 Peter 3:13 — But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

Answer 1: We feel more confident that Jehovah will fulfill his promises, including the promise of a new world in which righteousness will dwell. If Jehovah makes the growth, unity, and love of his people possible now, we have even more reason to trust fully in what he has promised for the future.

Answer 2: We feel admiration and gratitude. In a troubled world, Jehovah has made it possible for a people to continue growing, remain united, and show love. We do not want to regard this as normal or unimportant. Thinking about these miracles helps us value our spiritual family and Jehovah’s care.

Answer 3: We also feel a desire to value our role more. Jehovah not only allows us to benefit from these miracles; he gives us the honor of working with him. This gratitude can move us to preach with greater appreciation and care for our dealings with our brothers. Thus, our feelings become actions that contribute to growth, unity, and love.

HOW CAN WE COOPERATE IN THE FOLLOWING MIRACLES: The Growth of God’s People?

Answer 1: We cooperate by sharing in the preaching work. Each time we participate in any aspect of this work, we are working with Jehovah and Jesus. We do not need a special ability to value our contribution; what matters is participating faithfully and remembering that we have divine support to help others know Jehovah.

Ephesians 4:2 — with all humility and mildness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,

Answer 2: We cooperate by preaching and teaching with the qualities we learn from Jehovah. Ephesians 4:2 highlights humility, mildness, and patience. Our participation in the growth should be accompanied by loving interest, not impatience for results.

Answer 3: We cooperate by maintaining confidence in Jesus’ support. He assured his disciples that he would be with them while they carried out the teaching work. Our responsibility is to participate; the resulting growth moves us to give Jehovah the credit.

Answer 4: We cooperate by helping others learn Bible teachings and bring their lives into harmony with them. The goal is not merely to increase a number but for people to love Jehovah and decide to serve him. This helps us value the instruction and changes made by those progressing toward dedication and baptism.

HOW CAN WE COOPERATE IN THE FOLLOWING MIRACLES: The Unity of God’s People?

Mark 9:50 — Salt is fine, but if the salt ever loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and keep peace with one another.”

Answer 1: We cooperate by striving to maintain peace, as Jesus taught. When we choose kind treatment instead of feeding an argument, we make a concrete contribution to unity. The congregation’s peace is also protected by each person’s decisions.

Answer 2: We listen carefully to what Jehovah teaches and apply it. We all receive the same spiritual food, but it contributes to unity only when it influences our conduct. Being patient, kind, and forgiving shows that we are learning from Jehovah.

Answer 3: We protect unity by refusing to spread gossip and by not making a brother’s imperfections a topic of conversation. We can choose to overlook errors instead of giving them undue importance. These daily decisions are valuable ways to cooperate in what Jehovah is doing.

Answer 4: We contribute by forgiving and preventing personal or cultural differences from becoming barriers. Unity does not mean having identical personalities but learning to treat one another lovingly. We can value what we share: worship of Jehovah and the desire to put his teachings into practice.

HOW CAN WE COOPERATE IN THE FOLLOWING MIRACLES: The Love of God’s People?

John 13:34 — I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another.

Answer 1: We cooperate by imitating Jesus’ love, not merely by feeling affection for our brothers. We can take an interest in others’ needs and offer material, spiritual, or emotional help. In this way our love becomes perceptible and shows that we want to follow Christ.

Answer 2: A simple way is to sincerely thank others for their good example. We can recognize their qualities and tell them how much we value them. Our everyday words can show genuine interest in our brothers.

Answer 3: We cooperate by being attentive to those who need comfort or support. Some need material help, while others need spiritual or emotional encouragement. Love moves us to notice the person and be patient, helping the congregation remain a caring family.

Answer 4: We also show love for our neighbors through the preaching work and by voluntarily supporting it with donations. We want others to know Jehovah and benefit from his teachings. When we preach with that desire, our participation expresses love and appreciation for the privilege of working with God.