Watchtower Study for the Week of February 15-21, 2027

Just Like Jesus, Let Us Support God’s Kingdom Alone

1, 2. Why did Jesus not take sides in political matters? (1 Peter 2:21).

1 Peter 2:21 — In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely.

Answer 1: Jesus knew that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to mankind’s problems. That is why he did not seek political solutions, even when he suffered injustice. This text reminds us that we should follow his example. When political changes concern us, we can ask ourselves whether our reaction shows the same confidence that Jesus had in the Kingdom.

Answer 2: Jesus did not take sides because no human government could put an end to suffering forever. This did not mean that he was indifferent to people’s needs; in fact, he helped many people. But he distinguished between alleviating a problem and solving it permanently. His example helps us not to place our hope in a political change, even when we are concerned about how it might affect our work or our family.

Answer 3: For Jesus, supporting God’s Kingdom was incompatible with taking the side of a political faction. His position did not depend on whether circumstances were favorable or difficult. That firmness guides us when we feel uncertain because of government decisions. Rather than letting fear determine our position, we want to remain faithful to Jehovah and demonstrate by our actions that we trust in his Kingdom.

3. (a) What does it mean to be neutral in political matters?

Answer 1: Being neutral means not taking the side of any faction in the political affairs of this world. Our position is based on our conviction that only God’s Kingdom can solve all of mankind’s problems. So neutrality does not simply mean avoiding an argument. It is a way of demonstrating that our decisions are in harmony with the Kingdom message that we preach.

Answer 2: It does not mean that we are indifferent to people’s problems. It means that we do not support a political faction as the solution to those problems. Like Jesus, we put our trust in God’s Kingdom. This distinction is important: We can sincerely care about those who suffer without adopting a political position. What we teach about the Kingdom should also be reflected in the way we think, speak, and act.

Answer 3: Neutrality involves being consistent with what we preach. If we say that God’s Kingdom is the only solution, it would not make sense to promote a political faction at the same time. The paragraph invites us to follow Jesus’ steps faithfully. Therefore, when evaluating our position, we think not only about what those around us are doing but also about whether our conduct reflects the confidence he had in the Kingdom.

3. (b) What will we analyze in this article?

Answer 1: We will analyze how Jesus acted in three situations: when he had the opportunity to participate in politics, when he could have fought against his enemies, and when they tried to draw him into a debate about political issues. The point is not merely to know about those events. We want to focus on his decisions so that we can follow his steps faithfully and maintain our neutrality when we too face pressure.

Answer 2: The article will help us see how Jesus’ trust in the Kingdom influenced what he agreed to do, how he treated his enemies, and what he said. He rejected political power, did not resort to violence, and did not allow himself to be drawn into political debates. These three aspects allow us to examine whether our support for the Kingdom is reflected both in our actions and in our conversations.

Answer 3: We will consider three specific ways to imitate Jesus: not seeking solutions through political participation, not responding with violence, and not taking sides in political conversations. The goal is to strengthen our neutrality. By observing how he reacted in real situations, we will better understand what it means to support God’s Kingdom alone and to act in harmony with the message we bring to others.

4. What was the political climate in Israel when Jesus was on earth?

Acts 5:37 — After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the registration, and he drew followers after himself. That man also perished, and all those who were following him were scattered.

Answer 1: The atmosphere was extremely unstable. This example shows that some had gained followers and promoted rebellions, but they had failed. Despite this, the Jews continued hoping that someone would free them from Rome. This context helps us understand the pressure that existed for Jesus to assume a political role, even though that was not the solution he offered.

Answer 2: The Jews wanted to free themselves from Roman oppression and hoped to find a leader who could accomplish this. Several supposed messiahs had already appeared, and some had resorted to violence. However, none had succeeded. Thus, Jesus’ ministry unfolded in an atmosphere charged with political expectations. His neutrality was a firm decision amid those pressures, not the result of living in a peaceful era.

Answer 3: There was a great difference between what many Jews expected of the Messiah and what Jesus came to do. They thought that the true Messiah would free Israel from Roman domination and establish an independent kingdom. That expectation explains why they could interpret his works from a political point of view. It reminds us that we should allow Jesus’ teachings to guide our hopes instead of adjusting them to our desires.

5. What did many of Jesus’ disciples expect him to do?

Luke 24:21 — But we were hoping that this man was the one who was going to deliver Israel. Yes, and besides all these things, this is the third day since these things occurred.

Answer 1: Many expected Jesus to free Israel from the Romans. The two disciples traveling to Emmaus expressed that hope even after his death. Their words show how deeply rooted that expectation was. This teaches us that we may need to adjust our ideas to what Jehovah purposes, rather than expecting him to act in the way we imagine.

Answer 2: Even among the disciples there was an expectation of liberation from Rome. The paragraph mentions the question that John the Baptist asked Jesus and explains that he may have wanted to know whether Jesus would fulfill that hope of the Jews. It is important to preserve this nuance: It is presented as a possibility, not as a certainty. What is clear is that political expectations were part of the environment in which the disciples lived.

Answer 3: The apostles also expected Jesus to restore the kingdom in Israel. Their question shows that they still needed to understand better how God’s Kingdom would act. This helps us recognize that following Jesus requires us to be willing to correct our expectations. We do not want to measure the fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose by the political changes we would like to see, but rather trust in the solution he has chosen.

Answer 4: The paragraph shows that this hope was not exclusive to Jesus’ enemies or to the crowds. It was also held by people who followed him and loved him. This invites us to examine ourselves humbly. We might trust in Jehovah and yet desire a political change to solve our problems. The example encourages us to keep adjusting our way of thinking and to center our hope on God’s Kingdom.

6. How did Jesus react when the Jews in Galilee wanted to make him king? (See also the picture.)

John 6:14-15 — When the people saw the sign he performed, they began to say: “This really is the Prophet who was to come into the world.” Then Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.

Answer 1: Jesus withdrew from the crowd and went up the mountain by himself. He did not take advantage of the people’s enthusiasm to gain political power. His reaction shows that he had made his position very clear: not even popular support would cause him to abandon his decision to support God’s Kingdom only.

Answer 2: He did not accept the people’s attempt to make him king, even though they had reasons to admire him. He had cured the sick and had just miraculously fed thousands of people. Nevertheless, Jesus did not turn that admiration into a political opportunity. He teaches us that the approval of many people does not determine what is right. What matters is remaining faithful to Jehovah, even when others encourage us to take a different course.

Answer 3: The picture shows Jesus walking away while the people continue talking about him and some men gather the leftover food. That contrast highlights his decision. He had just performed a miracle that aroused great enthusiasm, but he did not stay to receive power from the crowd. His conduct reminds us that helping people and earning their respect does not mean that we should get involved in the world’s political affairs.

Answer 4: Jesus acted before the crowd could forcibly make him king. When he realized what they intended, he withdrew. He did not let pressure from those who admired him make the decision for him. That reaction teaches us to recognize when a situation could compromise our neutrality and to act firmly. At times, withdrawing from a situation is the best way to maintain our decision to imitate him.

7. Why did Jesus not allow himself to be made king?

Psalms 146:3 — Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation.

Answer 1: Jesus knew that a human ruler cannot permanently put an end to suffering. That is why he did not accept a political position, even though from such a position he might have been able to help in some ways. The psalm helps us understand his decision: our trust should not rest on humans. Like Jesus, we look forward to the complete solution that only God’s Kingdom can bring.

Answer 2: In addition to knowing the limitations of human governments, Jesus knew who is behind the world’s political system. The paragraph explains that although Jehovah allows governments to exist, Satan gives them their authority. So Jesus was determined to remain separate from the world. He did not evaluate the opportunity only on the basis of the immediate good it seemed to offer; he also considered what accepting it would imply.

Answer 3: Jesus wanted to remain faithful to his decision not to be part of the world, and he expected his disciples to do the same. That is why he neither sought nor accepted political office. This distinction is useful: it is not enough merely not to covet a position; we must also reject opportunities that would compromise our neutrality. His example helps us decide in advance that our support belongs to God’s Kingdom, not to a human government.

Answer 4: The solution Jesus promoted was his Father’s Kingdom, and that is why he taught his disciples to pray for that Kingdom to come. His prayers, teachings, and decisions were in harmony. We can imitate that consistency. When we pray for the Kingdom, we also want to show by our conduct that we consider it the true solution, rather than putting our hopes in a human ruler’s eliminating all problems.

8. What did Jesus tell Pilate about God’s Kingdom?

John 18:33,36 — So Pilate entered the governor’s residence again and called Jesus and said to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.”

Answer 1: Jesus explained that his Kingdom did not belong to the world. He also pointed out that his followers had not fought to prevent his being handed over. Thus, he made clear that his royal authority did not make him a political leader or the head of a rebellion.

Answer 2: He explained to him that God’s Kingdom was different from any human government. It would rule from heaven and would not be part of this world’s political system. That is why Jesus did not take the side of Rome or of those who wanted to fight against it. His answer helps us understand that supporting the Kingdom does not mean choosing the political side that seems best to us, but remaining neutral.

Answer 3: It is significant that Jesus clarified his position before a Roman authority shortly before his death. Even in such a difficult situation, he did not present his Kingdom as a political solution within that system. He remained faithful to what he had taught during his ministry. This encourages us to maintain our neutrality under pressure and to explain clearly that our hope is in God’s Kingdom.

Answer 4: Jesus’ answer to Pilate showed that there was a direct connection between the nature of the Kingdom and the conduct of its followers. Since that Kingdom did not belong to the world, its attendants did not fight to defend it by means of violence. For us, this means that it is not enough to talk about the Kingdom. Our way of acting must demonstrate that we support it and that we do not use the methods of human governments to promote it.

9. How do Christians imitate Jesus?

Titus 3:1 — Continue reminding them to be in subjection and to be obedient to governments and authorities, to be ready for every good work,

Answer 1: We imitate Jesus by remaining neutral and at the same time respecting the authorities. Neutrality does not prevent us from being good citizens. We obey the laws, pay taxes, and are willing to do good. In this way, we show that not participating in politics does not mean despising governments or neglecting our responsibilities.

Answer 2: We follow Jesus’ example by preaching that God’s Kingdom is the only government with the right to rule mankind and that it can solve all its problems. Our message does not promote a change of human rulers. It offers a different hope. Therefore, we strive to make both our conversations and our decisions consistent with what we teach people when we speak to them about the Kingdom.

Answer 3: Although we may suffer injustices, we do not seek to solve them by resorting to political participation. The paragraph mentions that we do not run for political office or vote for candidates in order to bring about changes in the laws. That decision does not mean that we consider injustices acceptable. It means that we follow Jesus’ example and trust in God’s Kingdom as the only complete solution to mankind’s problems.

Answer 4: We also imitate Jesus by enduring while we wait for the Kingdom to rule over the earth. The Bible acknowledges that abuses exist and that people suffer; it does not minimize that pain. But the paragraph reminds us that we need perseverance. When an injustice affects us personally, our neutrality may be tested. Maintaining it shows that we continue to trust in Jehovah even when we do not yet see the problem resolved.

Answer 5: We strive not to get involved in political controversies because we want our actions to support our faith. If we preached that the Kingdom is the true solution but promoted a political side, we would send contradictory messages. This paragraph invites us to examine ourselves honestly. We can ask ourselves whether the way we speak and react to the news makes it clear that we support God’s Kingdom only.

10. Why did the chief priests and the Pharisees plot to kill Jesus?

John 11:48-50,53 — If we let him go on this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them: “You do not know anything at all, and you have not reasoned that it is to your benefit for one man to die in behalf of the people rather than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” So from that day on they conspired to kill him.

Answer 1: They considered him a threat to their authority. They feared that support for Jesus would lead to Roman intervention. Their words show that this concern led them to justify his death, even though Jesus was not seeking political power.

Answer 2: The chief priests and the Pharisees viewed Jesus as a political and religious rival. They were concerned that people would put faith in him and that this would threaten the position they held. It is important to distinguish between what Jesus was actually doing and how his enemies interpreted it. He remained neutral, but they attributed a political threat to him. That accusation did not change the peaceful way in which he acted.

Answer 3: They feared losing their place and their nation if the Romans intervened. Instead of recognizing that Jesus was not promoting a rebellion, they decided to eliminate him. This episode shows how far the desire to preserve authority can lead. It also highlights the contrast with Jesus: while his enemies were plotting to take his life, he continued teaching his disciples that they should not resort to violence.

Answer 4: Their reasoning turned Jesus into someone whom, in their view, it was advisable to sacrifice in order to avoid consequences for the nation. But the paragraph makes clear that behind this was the fear that he threatened their authority. This helps us appreciate Jesus’ conduct even more. Although he knew that his enemies were plotting to kill him, he did not abandon his principles or teach his followers to fight them with violence.

11. Why did Jesus tell his apostles to get swords on the night he was arrested?

Matthew 26:47 — While he was still speaking, look! Judas, one of the Twelve, came and with him a large crowd with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Answer 1: He did not intend for them to fight. Two swords would not have been enough to face that armed crowd. Jesus would use the situation to teach them a lesson: His disciples were not to respond violently to persecution. The size and weaponry of the group that came to arrest him help us understand that he was not organizing a military defense.

Answer 2: Jesus wanted to teach them a practical lesson, not prepare them for a fight. When the apostles said that they had two swords, he indicated that they were enough. The paragraph invites us to reason: Could two swords be used to fight a large armed crowd? Obviously not. But they did allow Jesus to make very clear how his followers should act when facing opposition and persecution.

Answer 3: The instruction about the swords must be understood in view of what Jesus did afterward. When they came to arrest him, he did not fight or order his disciples to use the swords. So he was not authorizing his disciples to defend him by violence. This detail teaches us to consider the whole of his words and actions in order to understand an instruction properly, rather than isolating it from the events that explain it.

Answer 4: Jesus knew that his enemies planned to kill him, but he did not use that knowledge to organize an armed resistance. His interest was in preparing the apostles to act correctly. The swords would serve to teach them that, even though they might have the opportunity to respond with violence, they should not do so. The lesson did not depend on whether they could win a fight, but on following Jesus’ example and instructions.

12. After Peter used his sword, what did Jesus tell him? (See also the picture.)

Matthew 26:51-52 — But look! one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, taking off his ear. Then Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.

Answer 1: Jesus ordered him to stop using the sword and warned him about the consequences of resorting to it. He did not approve of Peter’s defending him in that way. The lesson is clear: Not even suffering an injustice or wanting to protect Jesus justified responding with violence.

Answer 2: In the image, we see Jesus holding Peter and gesturing to him to put the sword away, while the wounded man covers one side of his head. The scene emphasizes that Jesus stopped the violence; he did not encourage it. Although he was going to be arrested unjustly, he did not allow his disciples to fight for him. His reaction teaches us not to be carried away by an impulse when we face opposition.

Answer 3: By correcting Peter, Jesus made it clear that he did not want his followers to fight against Rome or against any other nation. The lesson went beyond that night. His disciples were to be peaceful people even under persecution. This helps us understand that our conduct cannot depend on whether we consider our cause to be just: We want to obey Jesus even when our emotions are very intense.

13. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses not participate in any violent conflict? (John 13:35; 17:11, 20-23)

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

Answer 1: We do not participate because we want to obey Jesus and preserve the love that identifies his disciples. Supporting violent conflicts would be contrary to that love. Our position does not depend on the country in which we live or on the side that others consider right. By refusing to participate, we show that being Christ’s disciples truly influences the way we treat others.

Answer 2: Jesus asked that his followers be united, and participating in violent conflicts would destroy that unity. That is why we do not support them in any way. Our brotherhood must not be divided by the rivalries of the nations. The paragraph helps us see that neutrality protects something very valuable: the love and unity that Jesus said would exist among his true disciples.

Answer 3: The main reason is that we promote God’s Kingdom. Participating in a war or another violent conflict would mean taking sides in the political affairs of the world. So our position is not limited to wishing for peace. It is an expression of our loyalty to the Kingdom. We want our decisions to show that we trust in Jehovah’s government and follow the peaceful example of his Son.

Answer 4: It is not enough to admire the peaceful way in which Jesus acted; we want to obey what he commanded. He did not allow his disciples to resort to violence to defend him, and we follow that same standard. The paragraph connects our decision with obedience, love, and unity. Keeping these reasons in mind strengthens our conviction and helps us explain that our position comes from following Christ.

14, 15. (a) Why was the payment of taxes such a controversial issue in Jesus’ day?

Matthew 22:19-21 — Show me the tax coin.” They brought him a denarius. He said to them: “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said: “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.”

Answer 1: The coin bore the emperor’s image and reminded the Jews that they were subject to Rome. In addition, many considered the taxes excessive. So the issue was not merely economic; it also aroused political feelings. Jesus did not allow that controversy to make him take sides.

Answer 2: Many people thought that Rome demanded too much in taxes. Thus, the issue directly affected their lives and caused discontent. This detail helps us understand why a conversation about taxes could so easily turn into a political debate. Jesus knew about the people’s suffering, but he did not allow such a sensitive issue to draw him away from his neutral position.

Answer 3: The head tax was especially objectionable because it was paid with a coin bearing the emperor’s face. To the Jews, that was a reminder of their subjection to Rome. Thus, the economic burden and rejection of Roman rule were mixed together. His enemies knew that the issue aroused strong feelings, so they chose it in an attempt to get Jesus to express a political opinion.

14, 15. (b) What trap did his enemies set for him? (Matthew 22:19-21)

Answer 1: They tried to get him to take sides in the controversy over taxes. Jesus did not enter into that debate. His answer distinguished between obligations toward the authorities and obligations toward God. In this way, he showed that he could answer clearly without adopting the political position that his enemies wanted to provoke him into taking.

Answer 2: A group of disciples of the Pharisees and members of Herod’s party asked him for his opinion on a very controversial issue. Their intention was to get him to take sides, not simply to learn a teaching. They chose taxes because they knew how much the people resented them. This reminds us that a question about a real problem can become pressure to express a political position.

Answer 3: The trap consisted in presenting an issue that aroused intense feelings and getting Jesus involved in the controversy. But he did not allow his enemies to determine the terms of his answer. He focused on the responsibilities that had to be fulfilled. His example teaches us that we do not have to choose a side simply because someone asks for our opinion on a political issue.

16. How do we imitate Jesus when we see or suffer injustices? (See also the picture and the box “Let Us Be Neutral at Heart.”)

Luke 6:45 — A good man brings good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks.

Answer 1: We imitate Jesus by maintaining neutrality also in our speech. This text shows that our words reflect what is in our heart. So it is not enough simply to keep a political opinion to ourselves; we want to strengthen our confidence in the Kingdom. Thus, when we see or suffer an injustice, what we say will reflect that confidence and not support for one side.

Answer 2: We can feel pain because of injustices without getting involved in political debates. Jesus was moved when he saw people suffering, but he knew that only the Kingdom would solve all their problems. We too remember that Jehovah is aware of what is happening. That assurance helps us to remain calm and neutral, even when an injustice affects us personally or harms someone we love.

Answer 3: The picture shows a sister leaving the cafeteria while her coworkers discuss a demonstration in the street. She does not stay and participate in the political conversation. The scene presents a practical application: If a conversation begins to compromise our neutrality, we can step away. We do not need to express an opinion about every controversy. Our desire to imitate Jesus can guide us even in everyday situations at work.

Answer 4: We imitate Jesus when we combine compassion with confidence in Jehovah. We do not minimize the pain of those who suffer, but neither do we think that taking sides in politics is the solution. The paragraph emphasizes that Jesus was neutral even in what he said. So before commenting on an injustice, we can consider whether our words will express concern for people or whether they will end up promoting a political position.

17. Why is it important to support only God’s Kingdom?

Jeremiah 10:23 — I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

Answer 1: This is important because no human has the ability to direct mankind successfully on his own. Not even a ruler’s good intentions can eliminate all suffering. This text helps us to maintain realistic expectations about human governments and to place our hope in the Kingdom, which will bring lasting peace, justice, and happiness.

Answer 2: Only God’s Kingdom can permanently provide what mankind needs. The paragraph contrasts the world’s turmoil with the peace, justice, and happiness that will exist when the Kingdom rules the earth. Keeping that contrast in mind helps us not to be carried away by political promises. Our hope does not depend on a better leader appearing, but on the government that Jehovah has established.

Answer 3: Supporting only the Kingdom makes Jehovah happy. The paragraph emphasizes that our heavenly Father is pleased when he sees his servants wholeheartedly support his government and the King he has chosen, Jesus Christ. Therefore, neutrality is not merely a list of things we avoid. It is a positive way to demonstrate our love and loyalty to Jehovah while we wait for his promises to be fulfilled.

Answer 4: It is also important to make the Kingdom known. We do not merely acknowledge that human governments have limitations; we share with others the true hope of a better future. This work is in harmony with our neutrality. Rather than promoting a government of this world, we direct attention to Jehovah’s solution. Thus, what we preach and the way we live convey the same message.

18. What situations may arise, and what will we see in the next article?

Answer 1: They may try to force us to join a political organization or to fight in a war. The paragraph even mentions the possibility of being threatened with imprisonment. These are situations in which maintaining neutrality may be especially difficult. In the next article we will see how to prepare now to face them, rather than waiting until pressure comes before thinking about how we will react.

Answer 2: Sometimes neutrality is tested not just through a conversation but through demands made by the authorities. They may pressure us to participate in politics or in a war and threaten us with imprisonment. The article ends by directing attention to our preparation. The next study will explain how to strengthen now our determination to remain neutral when obeying Jehovah means facing difficult consequences.

Answer 3: The paragraph encourages us to think ahead about serious tests of neutrality. It mentions forced affiliation with political organizations, participation in wars, and threats of imprisonment. It does not say that all of us will experience such situations, but they may arise. That is why the next article will focus on how to prepare now to maintain our loyalty to God’s Kingdom.

Why do Christians not take sides in political matters?

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

Answer 1: We do not take sides because we follow Jesus and promote God’s Kingdom. In addition, our neutrality protects the love that should identify us as his disciples. Political divisions should not divide the congregation. By remaining neutral, we show that our loyalty to the Kingdom and our love for our brothers are above the world’s rivalries.

Answer 2: The main reason is that we are convinced that only God’s Kingdom can definitively solve mankind’s problems. Jesus had that same conviction, and for that reason he rejected political power. We want our conduct to be consistent with the message we preach. If we promote the Kingdom as the true solution, we cannot at the same time place our hope in a political side.

Answer 3: We do not take sides because we want to imitate Jesus in every circumstance. He did not accept being made king, he did not fight his enemies, and he did not engage in political debates. His neutrality did not depend on how people treated him. His example helps us to maintain our position when we suffer injustices or feel concerned about the future. Our support for the Kingdom does not change with political circumstances.

Answer 4: Being neutral allows us to respect the authorities without becoming supporters of a human government. We fulfill our obligations as citizens, but we reserve our support for God’s Kingdom. This distinction is important when explaining our beliefs: We do not act out of contempt for rulers. Our position springs from faith in Jehovah and the desire to follow faithfully in the footsteps of his Son.

Why do we not participate in any violent conflict?

Matthew 9:36 — On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.

Answer 1: We want to imitate Jesus, who felt deep compassion for people. That compassion did not move him to promote violence; when they came to arrest him, he did not allow his disciples to fight for him either. So even though it pains us to see suffering and injustices, we follow his peaceful example and trust in God’s Kingdom as the solution.

Answer 2: We do not participate because Jesus taught his disciples not to respond with violence, even when persecuted. When Peter used his sword, Jesus corrected him. That incident shows that an intention that may seem good does not justify disobeying him. Our decision to avoid violent conflicts is based on his teachings, not on calculating whether one side has a better chance of winning or seems to be defending a better cause.

Answer 3: Participating in violent conflicts would destroy the love and unity that should exist among Christ’s followers. That is why we do not support them in any way. We want our brotherhood to remain united, regardless of the divisions between nations. Maintaining this position shows that Christian love is not merely something we teach but a quality that determines our decisions even under pressure.

Answer 4: Because we support God’s Kingdom, not the opposing sides of this world. Participating in a violent conflict would also mean taking sides in political issues. Our neutrality and our peaceful conduct are related: Both stem from following Jesus and trusting in Jehovah’s government. So we do not change our position depending on the conflict; instead, we maintain the same loyalty to the Kingdom.

How do we imitate Jesus if someone tries to debate political issues?

Jeremiah 10:23 — I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

Answer 1: We remember that humans cannot successfully direct mankind on their own. That conviction helps us avoid getting into discussions about which side will solve all the problems. Like Jesus, we maintain our neutrality in what we say and our confidence in God’s Kingdom. We do not need to defend a political solution to prove that we care about people.

Answer 2: We imitate Jesus by not allowing ourselves to be drawn into controversy. When his enemies asked him about taxes, he answered without taking a political position. We too are not obligated to choose a side because someone insists on knowing our opinion. We can maintain a respectful attitude and make it clear that our hope is in God’s Kingdom, without turning the conversation into a political argument.

Answer 3: We take care with both our words and what is in our heart. If we were to feed political preferences, they could eventually be reflected in what we say. That is why we want to strengthen our trust in Jehovah and in his Kingdom. When a conversation becomes political, we can refrain from participating or step away, as illustrated by the sister who leaves the workplace cafeteria. Maintaining neutrality may require a simple but firm decision.

Answer 4: We can acknowledge people’s suffering without supporting a political opinion. Jesus felt compassion, but he did not debate which human government would solve the problems. If someone tells us about an injustice, we want to listen with interest and preserve that same distinction. Our confidence that Jehovah knows what is happening helps us respond calmly and not allow indignation to compromise our neutrality.

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