LESSON 16

What Did Jesus Do While on Earth?

Printed Edition

Many people think of Jesus as a helpless baby, a wise prophet, or a dying man. But can we learn more about him from examining his life on earth? In this lesson, we will consider some of the most important things that Jesus did and how they affect you.

1. What was Jesus’ main work?

Jesus’ main work was to “declare the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Read Luke 4:43.) He preached the good news that God would establish a kingdom, or government, that would solve all of humankind’s problems.a Jesus tirelessly shared this positive message for three and a half years.—Matthew 9:35.

2. What was the purpose of Jesus’ miracles?

The Bible describes many “powerful works and wonders and signs that God did through [Jesus].” (Acts 2:22) With God’s power, Jesus was able to control the weather, feed thousands, heal the sick, and even bring the dead back to life. (Matthew 8:23-27; 14:15-21; Mark 6:56; Luke 7:11-17) Jesus’ miracles made it clear that God had sent him. They also showed that Jehovah has the power to solve all our problems.

3. What can we learn from the way Jesus lived?

Jesus obeyed Jehovah in every situation. (Read John 8:29.) Despite opposition, Jesus faithfully did what his Father asked of him right up until his death. He proved that it is possible for humans to serve God, even under difficult conditions. Thus, Jesus left “a model for [us] to follow his steps closely.”—1 Peter 2:21.

DIG DEEPER

Consider how Jesus shared the good news and performed miracles.

4. Jesus shared good news

Jesus walked hundreds of miles on dusty roads, sharing the good news with as many people as possible. Read Luke 8:1, and then discuss these questions:

Did Jesus preach only to people who gathered to listen to him?
What effort did Jesus make to find people?

God foretold that the Messiah would share good news. Read Isaiah 61:1, 2, and then discuss these questions:

How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy?
Do you think people today need to hear this good news?

Jesus walking into a village with some of his disciples.

5. Jesus taught valuable truths

In addition to preaching the good news about God’s Kingdom, Jesus taught practical lessons. Consider a few examples from his famous Sermon on the Mount. Read Matthew 6:14, 34 and 7:12, and then discuss these questions:

What practical advice did Jesus give in these verses?
Do you think that this advice is still helpful?

Jesus giving his Sermon on the Mount to a crowd of men, women, and children.

6. Jesus performed miracles

Jehovah empowered Jesus to perform many miracles. To see one example, read Mark 5:25-34 or play the VIDEO. Then discuss the questions that follow.

VIDEO: A Sick Woman Is Cured (5:10)

In the video, of what was the sick woman convinced?
What impresses you about this miracle?

Read John 5:36, and then discuss this question:

What did Jesus’ miracles “bear witness” to, or prove, about him?

Jesus kneeling and talking to a frightened woman right after she was miraculously healed from a flow of blood.

Did you know?

Most of what we know about Jesus comes from the four Bible books called the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel writer included different details about Jesus. These details all fit together to provide a fascinating picture of his life.

MATTHEW

wrote his Gospel first. It emphasizes Jesus’ teachings, especially what Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God.
MARK

composed the shortest Gospel. It is fast-moving and action-packed.
LUKE

gives special attention to prayer and to how Jesus treated women.
JOHN

reveals much about Jesus’ personality by relating many conversations that Jesus had with his close friends and others.