●○○ INITIAL CALL

○●○ FIRST RETURN VISIT

○○● SECOND RETURN VISIT

Question: What will God’s Kingdom do?

Scripture: Da 2:44

Link: How will this affect the earth?

• Song 14 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “The Kingdom of the Heavens Has Drawn Near”: (10 min.)

  • [Play the video Introduction to Matthew.]

  • Mt 3:1, 2​—John the Baptist proclaimed that the future Ruler of the heavenly Kingdom would soon appear (“preaching,” “Kingdom,” “Kingdom of the heavens,” “has drawn near” study notes on Mt 3:1, 2, nwtsty)

  • Mt 3:4​—John the Baptist lived a simple life, completely devoted to doing God’s will (“John the Baptizer’s Clothing and Appearance,” “Locusts,” “Wild Honey” media on Mt 3:4, nwtsty)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Mt 1:3​—Why might five women have been included in Matthew’s otherwise all-male genealogy of Jesus? (“Tamar” study note on Mt 1:3, nwtsty)

  • Mt 3:11​—How do we know that baptism involves complete immersion? (“baptize you” study note on Mt 3:11, nwtsty)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 1:1-17

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call Video: (4 min.) Play and discuss the video.

• First Return Visit: (3 min. or less) See Sample Conversations.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) bhs 41-42 ¶6-7

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 72

• Annual Service Report: (15 min.) Talk by an elder. After reading the letter from the branch office regarding the annual service report, interview publishers, selected in advance, who had outstanding experiences in the ministry during the past year.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 2

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 137 and Prayer

3:4

• 

  John’s dress and appearance made it immediately apparent that he lived a simple life, completely devoted to doing God’s will

• John’s unique privilege of being the forerunner of Jesus far exceeded any sacrifices he had made

A simple life helps us to do more in God’s service and results in great satisfaction. We can simplify our life by . . .

• identifying actual needs

• eliminating unnecessary expenses

• preparing a realistic budget

• disposing of things not being used

• paying off debts

• cutting back on excessive secular employment

What goal will a simple life allow me to pursue?

• Song 82 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Lessons Learned From Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount”: (10 min.)

  • Mt 5:3​—Happiness results from being conscious of our spiritual need (“Happy,” “those conscious of their spiritual need” study notes on Mt 5:3, nwtsty)

  • Mt 5:7​—Happiness results from being merciful and compassionate (“merciful” study note on Mt 5:7, nwtsty)

  • Mt 5:9​—Happiness results from being a peacemaker (“peacemakers” study note on Mt 5:9, nwtsty; w07 12/1 17)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Mt 4:9​—Satan tried to tempt Jesus to do what? (“do an act of worship” study note on Mt 4:9, nwtsty)

  • Mt 4:23​—What are two important activities that Jesus engaged in? (“teaching . . . preaching” study note on Mt 4:23, nwtsty)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 5:31-48

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) See Sample Conversations.

• First Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Play and discuss the video.

• Talk: (6 min. or less) w16.03 31-32​—Theme: Did Satan Physically Take Jesus to the Temple When Tempting Him?

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 130

• Happy Are Those Who Have Been Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake: (9 min.) Play the video The Namgungs: Imprisoned for Their Faith, and then discuss the lessons learned.

• “First Make Your Peace With Your Brother​—How?”: (6 min.) Discussion. Consider why only the last action in each list is correct.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 3

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 141 and Prayer

5:3

Are you conscious of your spiritual need?

The phrase “those conscious of their spiritual need” literally means “those who are beggars for the spirit.” (Mt 5:3; ftn.) We can show our eagerness to receive spiritual help from God by . . .

• reading the Bible every day

• preparing for and attending Christian meetings

• reading our publications and, as time allows, material on our website

• watching each month’s program on JW Broadcasting

How can I improve my routine of taking in spiritual food?

Imagine that you are living in Galilee during Jesus’ time. You have traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Booths. The city is bustling with fellow worshippers who are visiting from far and wide. You want to present an offering to Jehovah. So with a goat in tow, you begin to make your way through the crowded alleys of the city toward the temple. When you arrive, the temple is packed with others who also wish to present a sacrifice. Finally, it is your turn to hand your goat over to the priests. At that moment, you remember that your brother, who could be anywhere in the crowd or in the city, has something against you. Jesus explains what you should do. (Read Matthew 5:24.) How can you and your offended brother pursue peace as Jesus directs? In each of the lists below, put a check mark next to the correct answer.

YOU SHOULD . . .

• speak with your brother only if you think that he has a valid reason for being upset

• try to correct your brother’s thinking if you feel that he is overly sensitive or shares the blame for the problem

• listen patiently as your brother expresses himself, and even if you do not fully understand, sincerely apologize for the hurt he feels or for the unintended consequences of your actions

YOUR BROTHER SHOULD . . .

• seek the support of others in the congregation by telling them how you wronged him

• berate you, review every detail of the offense, and require you to admit fault

• recognize the humility and courage it took for you to approach him and forgive freely from the heart

Although our worship today no longer includes animal sacrifices, what was Jesus teaching about the connection between peace with our brother and acceptable worship to God?

• Song 21 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Keep On Seeking First the Kingdom”: (10 min.)

  • Mt 6:10​—The Kingdom was among the first things mentioned in the model prayer, which shows its importance (bhs 178 ¶12)

  • Mt 6:24​—We cannot slave for God and for “Riches” (“slave” study note on Mt 6:24, nwtsty)

  • Mt 6:33​—Jehovah will fill the needs of faithful servants who put Kingdom interests first in their lives (“Keep on . . . seeking,” “the Kingdom,” “his,” “righteousness” study notes on Mt 6:33, nwtsty; w16.07 12 ¶18)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Mt 7:12​—How can we apply this verse when preparing introductions for the ministry? (w14 5/15 14-15 ¶14-16)

  • Mt 7:28, 29​—How were the crowds affected by Jesus’ teaching, and why? (“were astounded,” “his way of teaching,” “not as their scribes” study notes on Mt 7:28, 29, nwtsty)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 6:1-18

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Respond to an objection that is common in your territory.

• First Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. The person you spoke with before is not at home, but a relative answers the door.

• Second Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Play and discuss the video.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 118

• “Stop Worrying”: (15 min.) Discussion. Begin by playing the video Lessons From Jesus’ Word Pictures​—Observe the Birds and the Lilies.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 4

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 132 and Prayer

In the model prayer, Jesus indicated that matters relating to Jehovah’s purpose and the Kingdom should be our primary concern.

6:9-13

• 

  God’s name

  God’s Kingdom

  God’s will

• 

  Daily bread

  Forgiveness of sins

  Deliverance from temptation

Some things relating to the Kingdom that I can pray for:

• The advancement of the preaching work

• God’s holy spirit to sustain those being persecuted

• God’s blessing on specific theocratic construction projects or preaching campaigns

• God’s wisdom and strength to guide those taking the lead

• Other

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Stop being anxious about your lives.” (Mt 6:25) While it is only natural for imperfect humans living in Satan’s world to be anxious on occasion, Jesus was teaching his followers to avoid extreme anxiety. (Ps 13:2) Why? Because undue anxiety, even about daily needs, can distract us, making it more difficult for us to seek first the Kingdom. (Mt 6:33) Jesus’ further comments will help us to stop needless worrying.

• Mt 6:26​—What can we learn from observing the birds? (w16.07 9-10 ¶11-13)

• Mt 6:27​—Why is undue worry a waste of time and energy? (w05 11/1 22 ¶5)

• Mt 6:28-30​—What lesson can we learn from the lilies of the field? (w16.07 10-11 ¶15-16)

• Mt 6:31, 32​—In what ways are Christians different from the nations? (w16.07 11 ¶17)

What do I want to stop worrying about?

• Song 17 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Jesus Loved People”: (10 min.)

  • Mt 8:1-3​—Jesus demonstrated exceptional compassion for a leper (“he touched him,” “I want to” study notes on Mt 8:3, nwtsty)

  • Mt 9:9-13​—Jesus loved those who were despised by others (“dining,” “tax collectors” study notes on Mt 9:10, nwtsty)

  • Mt 9:35-38​—Love for people moved Jesus to preach the good news even when he was tired and to pray for God to send more workers (“felt pity” study note on Mt 9:36, nwtsty)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Mt 8:8-10​—What can we learn from Jesus’ conversation with the army officer? (w02 8/15 13 ¶16)

  • Mt 9:16, 17​—What point was Jesus making with these two illustrations? (jy 70 ¶6)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 8:1-17

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Second Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Invite the person to the meeting.

• Third Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Choose your own scripture, and offer a study publication.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) bhs 47 ¶18-19

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 145

• ‘For a Certainty God Made Him Lord and Christ’​—Part 1, Excerpt: (15 min.) Discussion. After reading Matthew 9:18-25 and watching the excerpt, ask the following questions:

  • How did Jesus show that he cared for the sick woman and for Jairus?

  • How does this account affect the way you view Bible prophecies about the future under Kingdom rule?

  • What are some ways that we can imitate Jesus’ love for people?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 5

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 95 and Prayer

Matthew chapters 8 and 9 cover a portion of Jesus’ ministry in the region of Galilee. When Jesus healed people, he showed his power, but more important, he showed his great love and compassion for others.

1. 

   Jesus healed a leper.​—Mt 8:1-3

2. Jesus healed an army officer’s servant.​—Mt 8:5-13

   He healed Peter’s mother-in-law.​—Mt 8:14, 15

   He expelled demons and cured people who were suffering.​—Mt 8:16, 17

3. Jesus expelled unusually fierce demons, sending them into a herd of swine.​—Mt 8:28-32

4. Jesus healed a paralytic.​—Mt 9:1-8

   He cured a woman who had touched his garment, and he resurrected Jairus’ daughter.​—Mt 9:18-26

   He healed the blind and the speechless.​—Mt 9:27-34

5. Jesus toured the cities and villages, curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity.​—Mt 9:35, 36

How can I show more love and compassion to those around me?

• Song 4 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Jesus Offered Refreshment”: (10 min.)

  • Mt 10:29, 30​—Jesus’ assurance that Jehovah is keenly interested in each of us is refreshing (“sparrows,” “for a coin of small value,” “even the hairs of your head are all numbered” study notes and “Sparrow” media on Mt 10:29, 30, nwtsty)

  • Mt 11:28​—Serving Jehovah is refreshing (“loaded down,” “I will refresh you” study notes on Mt 11:28, nwtsty)

  • Mt 11:29, 30​—Submission to Christ’s authority and direction brings refreshment (“Take my yoke upon you” study note on Mt 11:29, nwtsty)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Mt 11:2, 3​—Why did John the Baptist ask this question? (jy 96 ¶2-3)

  • Mt 11:16-19​—How are we to understand these verses? (jy 98 ¶1-2)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 11:1-19

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Second Return Visit: (3 min. or less) See Sample Conversations.

• Third Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Choose your own scripture and linking question.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) bhs 45-46 ¶15-16​—Invite the person to the meeting.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 87

• Refreshing Those “Toiling and Loaded Down”: (15 min.) Play the video. Afterward, discuss the following questions:

  • What recent events have caused some to be in need of refreshment?

  • How have Jehovah and Jesus provided refreshment through the organization?

  • How are the Scriptures a source of refreshment?

  • How can each one of us refresh others?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 6, box “The Time Came for Purifying Them”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 138 and Prayer

11:28-30

“My yoke is kindly”

What blessings have you enjoyed since you came under Jesus’ yoke?