Study Questions for My Book of Bible Stories

Story 1

1. Where have all good things come from, and can you give an example?

2. What was the first thing God created?

3. Why was the first angel special?

4. Describe what the earth was like in the beginning. (See picture.)

5. How did God start getting the earth ready for animals and people?

Additional questions:

1. Read Jeremiah 10:12.

   What qualities of God are shown through his creation? (Isa. 40:26; Rom. 11:33)

2. Read Colossians 1:15-17.

   What part did Jesus play in creation, and how should this affect our view of him? (Col. 1:15-17)

3. Read Genesis 1:1-10.

   1. What is the origin of the earth? (Gen. 1:1)

   2. What happened on the first creative day? (Gen. 1:3-5)

   3. Describe what happened during the second creative day. (Gen. 1:7, 8)

Story 2

1. How did God prepare the earth to be our home?

2. Describe the great variety of animals that God made. (See picture.)

3. Why was the garden of Eden special?

4. What did God want the whole earth to become?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 1:11-25.

   1. What did God create during the third creative day? (Gen. 1:12)

   2. What occurred during the fourth creative day? (Gen. 1:16)

   3. What kinds of animals did God make on the fifth and sixth days? (Gen. 1:20, 21, 25)

2. Read Genesis 2:8, 9.

   What two special trees did God place in the garden, and what did they symbolize?

Story 3

1. How is the picture in Story 3 different from the picture in Story 2?

2. Who made the first man, and what was the man’s name?

3. What work did God give Adam to do?

4. Why did God make Adam fall into a deep sleep?

5. How long could Adam and Eve live, and what work did Jehovah want them to do?

Additional questions:

1. Read Psalm 83:18.

   What is God’s name, and what is his unique position over the earth? (Jer. 16:21; Dan. 4:17)

2. Read Genesis 1:26-31.

   1. What was the climax of God’s creation on the sixth day, and how was this creation different from the animals? (Gen. 1:26)

   2. What provision did Jehovah make for both man and animals? (Gen. 1:30)

3. Read Genesis 2:7-25.

   1. What was involved in Adam’s assignment to name the animals? (Gen. 2:19)

   2. How does Genesis 2:24 help us to understand Jehovah’s view of marriage, separation, and divorce? (Matt. 19:4-6, 9)

Story 4

1. In the picture, what is happening to Adam and Eve?

2. Why did Jehovah punish them?

3. What did a snake tell Eve?

4. Who made the snake speak to Eve?

5. Why did Adam and Eve lose their Paradise home?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 2:16, 17 and 3:1-13, 24.

   1. How did the serpent’s question to Eve misrepresent Jehovah? (Gen. 3:1-5; 1 John 5:3)

   2. How does Eve serve as a warning example to us? (Phil. 4:8; Jas. 1:14, 15; 1 John 2:16)

   3. In what way did Adam and Eve fail to accept responsibility for their actions? (Gen. 3:12, 13)

   4. How did the cherubs posted at the east of the garden of Eden uphold Jehovah’s sovereignty? (Gen. 3:24)

2. Read Revelation 12:9.

   How successful has Satan been at turning humankind against God’s rulership? (1 John 5:19)

Story 5

1. What was life like for Adam and Eve outside the garden of Eden?

2. What started to happen to Adam and Eve, and why?

3. Why would Adam and Eve’s children grow old and die?

4. If Adam and Eve had obeyed Jehovah, what would life have been like for them and their children?

5. How did Eve’s disobedience cause her pain?

6. What were the names of Adam and Eve’s first two sons?

7. Who are the other children in the picture?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 3:16-23 and 4:1, 2.

   1. How was Adam’s life affected by the curse on the ground? (Gen. 3:17-19; Rom. 8:20, 22)

   2. Why was the name Eve, meaning “Living One,” appropriate? (Gen. 3:20)

   3. How did Jehovah show consideration for Adam and Eve even after they sinned? (Gen. 3:7, 21)

2. Read Revelation 21:3, 4.

   What “former things” do you look forward to seeing eliminated?

Story 6

1. What occupations do Cain and Abel take up?

2. What gifts do Cain and Abel bring to Jehovah?

3. Why is Jehovah pleased with Abel’s gift, and why is he not pleased with Cain’s?

4. What kind of person is Cain, and how does Jehovah try to correct him?

5. What does Cain do when he is alone with his brother in the field?

6. Explain what happened to Cain after he killed his brother.

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 4:2-26.

   1. How did Jehovah describe the dangerous position that Cain was in? (Gen. 4:7)

   2. How did Cain reveal his heart attitude? (Gen. 4:9)

   3. What is Jehovah’s view of shedding innocent blood? (Gen. 4:10; Isa. 26:21)

2. Read 1 John 3:11, 12.

   1. Why did Cain grow hot with anger, and how does this serve as a warning to us today? (Gen. 4:4, 5; Prov. 14:30; 28:22)

   2. How does the Bible show that even when all our family members oppose Jehovah, we can still maintain our integrity? (Ps. 27:10; Matt. 10:21, 22)

3. Read John 11:25.

   What assurance does Jehovah give regarding all who die for righteousness’ sake? (John 5:24)

Story 7

1. How was Enoch different?

2. Why did people in Enoch’s day do so many bad things?

3. What bad things were people doing? (See picture.)

4. Why did Enoch need to be brave?

5. How long did men live back then, but how long did Enoch live?

6. What happened after Enoch died?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 5:21-24, 27.

   1. What kind of relationship did Enoch have with Jehovah? (Gen. 5:24)

   2. According to the Bible, who is the oldest man who ever lived, and how old was he when he died? (Gen. 5:27)

2. Read Genesis 6:5.

   How bad did conditions on the earth become after Enoch’s death, and how does this compare with our day? (2 Tim. 3:13)

3. Read Hebrews 11:5.

   What quality of Enoch “pleased God well,” and with what result? (Gen. 5:22)

4. Read Jude 14, 15.

   How can Christians today imitate Enoch’s courage when warning people about the coming battle of Armageddon? (2 Tim. 4:2; Heb. 13:6)

Story 8

1. What happened when some of God’s angels listened to Satan?

2. Why did some angels stop their work in heaven and come down to the earth?

3. Why was it wrong for the angels to come down to the earth and make human bodies for themselves?

4. What was different about the children of the angels?

5. As you can see in the picture, what did the children of the angels do when they became giants?

6. After Enoch, what good man lived on earth, and why did God like him?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 6:1-8.

   What does Genesis 6:6 reveal about how our conduct can affect Jehovah’s feelings? (Ps. 78:40, 41; Prov. 27:11)

2. Read Jude 6.

   How do the angels that “did not keep their original position” in Noah’s day serve as a reminder to us today? (1 Cor. 3:5-9; 2 Pet. 2:4, 9, 10)

Story 9

1. How many were in Noah’s family, and what were the names of his three sons?

2. What unusual thing did God ask Noah to do, and why?

3. How did Noah’s neighbors react when he told them about the ark?

4. What did God tell Noah to do with the animals?

5. After God shut the door of the ark, what did Noah and his family have to do?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 6:9-22.

   1. What made Noah an outstanding worshiper of the true God? (Gen. 6:9, 22)

   2. How does Jehovah feel about violence, and how should this affect our choice of entertainment? (Gen. 6:11, 12; Ps. 11:5)

   3. How can we imitate Noah when we receive direction through Jehovah’s organization? (Gen. 6:22; 1 John 5:3)

2. Read Genesis 7:1-9.

   How does the fact that Jehovah viewed the imperfect man Noah as being righteous encourage us today? (Gen. 7:1; Prov. 10:16; Isa. 26:7)

Story 10

1. Why could no one get inside the ark once the rain started?

2. For how many days and nights did Jehovah make it rain, and how deep did the water get?

3. What happened to the ark as the water started to cover the earth?

4. Did the giants survive the Flood, and what became of the giants’ fathers?

5. What happened to the ark after five months?

6. Why did Noah let a raven out of the ark?

7. How did Noah know that the waters on the earth had gone down?

8. What did God say to Noah after he and his family had been in the ark more than one year?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 7:10-24.

   1. How complete was the destruction of life on the earth? (Gen. 7:23)

   2. How long did it take for the Flood waters to go down? (Gen. 7:24)

2. Read Genesis 8:1-17.

   How does Genesis 8:17 show that Jehovah’s original purpose for the earth did not change? (Gen. 1:22)

3. Read 1 Peter 3:19, 20.

   1. When the rebellious angels returned to heaven, what judgment did they receive? (Jude 6)

   2. How does the account of Noah and his family strengthen our confidence in Jehovah’s ability to deliver his people? (2 Pet. 2:9)

Story 11

1. As shown in the picture, what did Noah do when he first came out of the ark?

2. What command did God give Noah and his family after the Flood?

3. What promise did God make?

4. When we see a rainbow, of what should it remind us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 8:18-22.

   1. How can we today provide “a restful odor” to Jehovah? (Gen. 8:21; Heb. 13:15, 16)

   2. What observation did Jehovah make about man’s heart condition, and what caution should we therefore exercise? (Gen. 8:21; Matt. 15:18, 19)

2. Read Genesis 9:9-17.

   1. What covenant did Jehovah make with all of earth’s creatures? (Gen. 9:10, 11)

   2. How long will the rainbow covenant remain in effect? (Gen. 9:16)

Story 12

1. Who was Nimrod, and how did God feel about him?

2. In the picture, why were people making bricks?

3. Why was Jehovah not pleased with the building work?

4. How did God stop the building of the tower?

5. What was the city called, and what did that name mean?

6. What happened to the people after God confused their languages?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 10:1, 8-10.

   What characteristics did Nimrod display, and what warning does this provide for us? (Prov. 3:31)

2. Read Genesis 11:1-9.

   What was the motive behind the building of the tower, and why was the project doomed to failure? (Gen. 11:4; Prov. 16:18; John 5:44)

Story 13

1. What kind of people lived in the city of Ur?

2. Who is the man in the picture, when was he born, and where did he live?

3. What did God tell Abraham to do?

4. Why was Abraham called God’s friend?

5. Who went with Abraham when he left Ur?

6. What did God tell Abraham when he got to the land of Canaan?

7. What promise did God make to Abraham when he was 99 years old?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 11:27-32.

   1. How were Abraham and Lot related? (Gen. 11:27)

   2. Although Terah was credited with moving his family toward Canaan, how do we know that it was actually Abraham who initiated this move, and why did he do so? (Gen. 11:31; Acts 7:2-4)

2. Read Genesis 12:1-7.

   What enlargement of the Abrahamic covenant did Jehovah make after Abraham reached the land of Canaan? (Gen. 12:7)

3. Read Genesis 17:1-8, 15-17.

   1. What change in name did Abram receive when he was 99 years old, and why? (Gen. 17:5)

   2. What future blessings did Jehovah promise to Sarah? (Gen. 17:15, 16)

4. Read Genesis 18:9-19.

   1. At Genesis 18:19, what responsibilities are set out for fathers? (Deut. 6:6, 7; Eph. 6:4)

   2. What experience of Sarah shows that we cannot hide anything from Jehovah? (Gen. 18:12, 15; Ps. 44:21)

Story 14

1. What promise did God make to Abraham, and how did God keep his promise?

2. As shown in the picture, how did God test Abraham’s faith?

3. What did Abraham do, even though he did not understand the reason for God’s command?

4. What happened when Abraham took out the knife to kill his son?

5. How strong was Abraham’s faith in God?

6. What did God provide for Abraham to sacrifice, and how?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 21:1-7.

   Why did Abraham circumcise his son on the eighth day? (Gen. 17:10-12; 21:4)

2. Read Genesis 22:1-18.

   How did Isaac show submission to his father, Abraham, and how did this prefigure a future event of greater significance? (Gen. 22:7-9; 1 Cor. 5:7; Phil. 2:8, 9)

Story 15

1. Why did Abraham and Lot separate?

2. Why did Lot choose to live in Sodom?

3. What were the people of Sodom like?

4. What warning did two angels give Lot?

5. Why did Lot’s wife become a pillar of salt?

6. What lesson can we learn from the case of Lot’s wife?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 13:5-13.

   In regard to resolving problems between individuals, what lesson can we learn from Abraham? (Gen. 13:8, 9; Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3, 4)

2. Read Genesis 18:20-33.

   How do Jehovah’s dealings with Abraham give us confidence that Jehovah and Jesus will judge righteously? (Gen. 18:25, 26; Matt. 25:31-33)

3. Read Genesis 19:1-29.

   1. What does this Bible account show regarding God’s view of homosexuality? (Gen. 19:5, 13; Lev. 20:13)

   2. What difference do we find in the ways that Lot and Abraham responded to God’s direction, and what can we learn from this? (Gen. 19:15, 16, 19, 20; 22:3)

4. Read Luke 17:28-32.

   What heart attitude did Lot’s wife have toward material things, and how does this serve as a warning to us? (Luke 12:15; 17:31, 32; Matt. 6:19-21, 25)

5. Read 2 Peter 2:6-8.

   In imitation of Lot, what should be our attitude toward the ungodly world around us? (Ezek. 9:4; 1 John 2:15-17)

Story 16

1. Who are the man and the woman in the picture?

2. What did Abraham do to get a wife for his son, and why?

3. How was the prayer of Abraham’s servant answered?

4. What answer did Rebekah give when she was asked if she wanted to marry Isaac?

5. What made Isaac happy again?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 24:1-67.

   1. What fine qualities did Rebekah display when she met Abraham’s servant at the well? (Gen. 24:17-20; Prov. 31:17, 31)

   2. Abraham’s arrangement for Isaac provides what fine example for Christians today? (Gen. 24:37, 38; 1 Cor. 7:39; 2 Cor. 6:14)

   3. Why should we find time for meditation, just as Isaac did? (Gen. 24:63; Ps. 77:12; Phil. 4:8)

Story 17

1. Who were Esau and Jacob, and how were they different?

2. How old were Esau and Jacob when their grandfather Abraham died?

3. What did Esau do that made his mother and father very sad?

4. Why did Esau get very angry with his brother, Jacob?

5. What instruction did Isaac give to his son Jacob?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 25:5-11, 20-34.

   1. What did Jehovah prophesy regarding Rebekah’s two sons? (Gen. 25:23)

   2. What contrast was there between Jacob’s and Esau’s attitude toward the birthright? (Gen. 25:31-34)

2. Read Genesis 26:34, 35; 27:1-46; and 28:1-5.

   1. How was Esau’s lack of appreciation for spiritual things evident? (Gen. 26:34, 35; 27:46)

   2. In order for Jacob to receive God’s blessing, what did Isaac tell him to do? (Gen. 28:1-4)

3. Read Hebrews 12:16, 17.

   What does Esau’s example demonstrate as to the outcome of those who despise sacred things?

Story 18

1. Who is the young woman in the picture, and what did Jacob do for her?

2. What was Jacob willing to do in order to marry Rachel?

3. What did Laban do when the time came for Jacob’s marriage to Rachel?

4. What did Jacob agree to do to get Rachel as his wife?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 29:1-30.

   1. Even when Laban tricked him, how did Jacob show himself to be honorable, and what can we learn from this? (Gen. 25:27; 29:26-28; Matt. 5:37)

   2. How does Jacob’s example show the difference between love and infatuation? (Gen. 29:18, 20, 30; Song of Sol. 8:6)

   3. What four women became part of Jacob’s household and later bore him sons? (Gen. 29:23, 24, 28, 29)

Story 19

1. What were the names of the six sons Jacob had by his first wife, Leah?

2. What two sons did Leah’s maidservant Zilpah bear to Jacob?

3. What were the names of the two sons Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah bore to Jacob?

4. What two sons did Rachel bear, but what happened when the second son was born?

5. According to the picture, how many sons did Jacob have, and what came from them?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 29:32-35; 30:1-26; and 35:16-19.

   As indicated in the case of Jacob’s 12 sons, how were Hebrew boys often named in ancient times?

2. Read Genesis 37:35.

   Although only Dinah is named in the Bible, how do we know that Jacob had more than one daughter? (Gen. 37:34, 35)

Story 20

1. Why did Abraham and Isaac not want their children to marry people from the land of Canaan?

2. Did Jacob approve of his daughter’s making friends with Canaanite girls?

3. Who is the man looking at Dinah in the picture, and what bad thing did he do?

4. What did Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi do when they heard about what had happened?

5. Did Jacob agree with what Simeon and Levi had done?

6. How did all the family trouble get started?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 34:1-31.

   1. Was Dinah’s association with the daughters of the land of Canaan an isolated incident? Explain. (Gen. 34:1)

   2. Why did Dinah bear a measure of responsibility for losing her virginity? (Gal. 6:7)

   3. How can young ones today show that they have taken to heart the warning example of Dinah? (Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33; 1 John 5:19)

Story 21

1. Why were Joseph’s brothers jealous of him, and what did they do?

2. What do Joseph’s brothers want to do to him, but what does Reuben say?

3. What happens when Ishmaelite traders come along?

4. What do Joseph’s brothers do to make their father think that Joseph is dead?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 37:1-35.

   1. How can Christians imitate Joseph’s example by reporting wrongdoing in the congregation? (Gen. 37:2; Lev. 5:1; 1 Cor. 1:11)

   2. What led Joseph’s brothers to deal treacherously with him? (Gen. 37:11, 18; Prov. 27:4; Jas. 3:14-16)

   3. What action by Jacob is a normal part of grieving? (Gen. 37:35)

Story 22

1. How old is Joseph when he is taken to Egypt, and what happens when he gets there?

2. How does Joseph end up in prison?

3. What responsibility is Joseph given in the prison?

4. In prison, what does Joseph do for Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker?

5. What happens after the cupbearer is released from prison?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 39:1-23.

   Since there was no written law from God that condemned adultery in Joseph’s day, what compelled him to flee from Potiphar’s wife? (Gen. 2:24; 20:3; 39:9)

2. Read Genesis 40:1-23.

   1. Briefly describe the cupbearer’s dream and the interpretation that Jehovah gave to Joseph. (Gen. 40:9-13)

   2. What dream did the baker have, and what did it mean? (Gen. 40:16-19)

   3. How has the faithful and discreet slave class today imitated Joseph’s attitude? (Gen. 40:8; Ps. 36:9; John 17:17; Acts 17:2, 3)

   4. How does Genesis 40:20 shed light on the Christian view of birthday celebrations? (Eccl. 7:1; Mark 6:21-28)

Story 23

1. What happens to Pharaoh one night?

2. Why does the cupbearer finally remember Joseph?

3. As shown in the picture, what two dreams does Pharaoh have?

4. What does Joseph say the dreams mean?

5. How does Joseph become the most important man in Egypt next to Pharaoh?

6. Why do Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt, and why do they not recognize him?

7. What dream does Joseph remember, and what does it help him to understand?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 41:1-57.

   1. How did Joseph direct attention to Jehovah, and in what way can Christians today imitate his example? (Gen. 41:16, 25, 28; Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12)

   2. How do the years of plenty in Egypt followed by the years of famine accurately contrast the spiritual condition of Jehovah’s people today with that of Christendom? (Gen. 41:29, 30; Amos 8:11, 12)

2. Read Genesis 42:1-8 and 50:20.

   Is it wrong for worshipers of Jehovah to bow before a man out of honor and respect for his position if that is the custom of the land? (Gen. 42:6)

Story 24

1. Why does Joseph accuse his brothers of being spies?

2. Why does Jacob let his youngest son, Benjamin, go to Egypt?

3. How does Joseph’s silver cup get into Benjamin’s bag?

4. What does Judah offer to do to gain Benjamin’s release?

5. How have Joseph’s brothers changed?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 42:9-38.

   How is Joseph’s expression at Genesis 42:18 a fine reminder to those with responsibility in Jehovah’s organization today? (Neh. 5:15; 2 Cor. 7:1, 2)

2. Read Genesis 43:1-34.

   1. Although Reuben was the firstborn, how is it evident that Judah became the spokesman for his brothers? (Gen. 43:3, 8, 9; 44:14, 18; 1 Chron. 5:2)

   2. How did Joseph evidently test his brothers, and why? (Gen. 43:33, 34)

3. Read Genesis 44:1-34.

   1. As part of the ruse to hide his identity from his brothers, how did Joseph represent himself? (Gen. 44:5, 15; Lev. 19:26)

   2. How did Joseph’s brothers show that the envious spirit they formerly had toward their brother was now gone? (Gen. 44:13, 33, 34)

Story 25

1. What happens when Joseph tells his brothers who he is?

2. What does Joseph kindly explain to his brothers?

3. What does Pharaoh say when he hears about Joseph’s brothers?

4. How big was Jacob’s family when they moved to Egypt?

5. What did Jacob’s family come to be called, and why?

Additional questions:

1. Read Genesis 45:1-28.

   How does the Bible account of Joseph show that Jehovah can turn what is intended to harm his servants into a good result? (Gen. 45:5-8; Isa. 8:10; Phil. 1:12-14)

2. Read Genesis 46:1-27.

   What reassurance did Jehovah give Jacob on his way to Egypt? (Gen. 46:1-4, ftn.)

Story 26

1. Who was Job?

2. What did Satan try to do, but did he succeed?

3. What did Jehovah give Satan permission to do, and why?

4. Why did Job’s wife tell him to “curse God and die”? (See picture.)

5. As you can see from the second picture, how did Jehovah bless Job, and why?

6. If we, like Job, are faithful to Jehovah, what blessings will we receive?

Additional questions:

1. Read Job 1:1-22.

   How can Christians today imitate Job? (Job 1:1; Phil. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:14)

2. Read Job 2:1-13.

   In what two contrasting ways did Job and his wife respond to Satan’s persecution? (Job 2:9, 10; Prov. 19:3; Mic. 7:7; Mal. 3:14)

3. Read Job 42:10-17.

   1. What similarities are there between the reward that Job received and what Jesus received for a faithful life course? (Job 42:12; Phil. 2:9-11)

   2. How are we encouraged by the blessings that Job received for maintaining his integrity to God? (Job 42:10, 12; Heb. 6:10; Jas. 1:2-4, 12; 5:11)

Story 27

1. In the picture, who is the man with the whip, and who is he beating?

2. After Joseph died, what happened to the Israelites?

3. Why did the Egyptians become afraid of the Israelites?

4. What command did Pharaoh give to the women who helped the Israelite women give birth?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 1:6-22.

   1. In what way did Jehovah begin to fulfill his promise to Abraham? (Ex. 1:7; Gen. 12:2; Acts 7:17)

   2. How did the Hebrew midwives show respect for the sanctity of life? (Ex. 1:17; Gen. 9:6)

   3. How were the midwives rewarded for their faithfulness to Jehovah? (Ex. 1:20, 21; Prov. 19:17)

   4. How did Satan attempt to thwart Jehovah’s purpose regarding the promised Seed of Abraham? (Ex. 1:22; Matt. 2:16)

Story 28

1. Who is the baby in the picture, and whose finger is he holding?

2. What did Moses’ mother do to save him from being killed?

3. Who is the little girl in the picture, and what did she do?

4. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, what did Miriam suggest?

5. What did the princess say to Moses’ mother?

Additional question:

1. Read Exodus 2:1-10.

   What opportunity did Moses’ mother have to train and teach Moses during infancy, and what example does this provide for parents today? (Ex. 2:9, 10; Deut. 6:6-9; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 3:15)

Story 29

1. Where did Moses grow up, but what did he know about his parents?

2. What did Moses do when he was 40 years old?

3. What did Moses say to an Israelite man who was fighting, and what answer did the man give?

4. Why did Moses run away from Egypt?

5. Where did Moses run away to, and whom did he meet there?

6. What did Moses do during the 40 years after he fled Egypt?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 2:11-25.

   Despite years of education in the wisdom of the Egyptians, how did Moses show his loyalty to Jehovah and to his people? (Ex. 2:11, 12; Heb. 11:24)

2. Read Acts 7:22-29.

   What lesson can we learn from Moses’ trying to rescue Israel from Egyptian bondage by himself? (Acts 7:23-25; 1 Pet. 5:6, 10)

Story 30

1. What is the name of the mountain in the picture?

2. Describe the unusual thing that Moses saw when he went to the mountain with his sheep.

3. What did a voice say from the burning bush, and whose voice was it?

4. How did Moses answer when God told him that he would lead God’s people out of Egypt?

5. What did God tell Moses to say if the people asked who sent him?

6. How would Moses be able to prove that God had sent him?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 3:1-22.

   How does Moses’ experience give us confidence that even if we feel unqualified to fulfill a theocratic assignment, Jehovah will back us up? (Ex. 3:11, 13; 2 Cor. 3:5, 6)

2. Read Exodus 4:1-20.

   1. What change in Moses’ attitude occurred during the 40 years he spent in Midian, and what lesson can those reaching out for congregation privileges learn from this? (Ex. 2:11, 12; 4:10, 13; Mic. 6:8; 1 Tim. 3:1, 6, 10)

   2. Even if we are disciplined by Jehovah through his organization, what confidence can Moses’ example give us? (Ex. 4:12-14; Ps. 103:14; Heb. 12:4-11)

Story 31

1. What effect did the miracles that Moses and Aaron performed have on the Israelites?

2. What did Moses and Aaron tell Pharaoh, and what was Pharaoh’s answer?

3. As shown in the picture, what happened when Aaron threw down his stick?

4. How did Jehovah teach Pharaoh a lesson, and how did Pharaoh respond?

5. What happened after the tenth plague?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 4:27-31 and 5:1-23.

   What did Pharaoh mean when he said: “I do not know Jehovah at all”? (Ex. 5:2; 1 Sam. 2:12; Rom. 1:21)

2. Read Exodus 6:1-13, 26-30.

   1. In what sense did Jehovah not make himself known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? (Ex. 3:13, 14; 6:3; Gen. 12:8)

   2. How does it make us feel to know that Jehovah still used Moses, even though Moses felt unqualified for his assigned task? (Ex. 6:12, 30; Luke 21:13-15)

3. Read Exodus 7:1-13.

   1. When Moses and Aaron courageously delivered Jehovah’s judgments to Pharaoh, what pattern did they set for God’s servants today? (Ex. 7:2, 3, 6; Acts 4:29-31)

   2. How did Jehovah show his supremacy over Egypt’s gods? (Ex. 7:12; 1 Chron. 29:12)

Story 32

1. Using the pictures shown here, describe the first three plagues that Jehovah brought on Egypt.

2. What was the difference between the first three plagues and the rest of the plagues?

3. What were the fourth, fifth, and sixth plagues?

4. Describe plagues seven, eight, and nine.

5. What did Jehovah tell the Israelites to do before the tenth plague?

6. What was the tenth plague, and what happened after it?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 7:19–8:23.

   1. Even though Egypt’s magic-practicing priests were able to duplicate Jehovah’s first two plagues, what were they forced to admit after the third plague? (Ex. 8:18, 19; Matt. 12:24-28)

   2. How did the fourth plague demonstrate Jehovah’s ability to protect his people, and how does knowing this make God’s people feel as they face the foretold “great tribulation”? (Ex. 8:22, 23; Rev. 7:13, 14; 2 Chron. 16:9)

2. Read Exodus 8:24; 9:3, 6, 10, 11, 14, 16, 23-25; and 10:13-15, 21-23.

   1. What two groups were exposed by the Ten Plagues, and how does this affect our view of those groups today? (Ex. 8:10, 18, 19; 9:14)

   2. How does Exodus 9:16 help us to understand why Jehovah has allowed Satan to remain until now? (Rom. 9:21, 22)

3. Read Exodus 12:21-32.

   How did the Passover make salvation possible for many, and to what did the Passover point? (Ex. 12:21-23; John 1:29; Rom. 5:18, 19, 21; 1 Cor. 5:7)

Story 33

1. How many Israelite men, along with women and children, left Egypt, and who left with them?

2. How did Pharaoh feel after he let the Israelites go, and what did he do?

3. What did Jehovah do to stop the Egyptians from attacking his people?

4. What happened when Moses stretched out his stick over the Red Sea, and what did the Israelites do?

5. What happened when the Egyptians rushed into the sea after the Israelites?

6. How did the Israelites show that they were happy and thankful to Jehovah that they had been saved?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 12:33-36.

   How did Jehovah see to it that his people were repaid for all their years of slavery under the Egyptians? (Ex. 3:21, 22; 12:35, 36)

2. Read Exodus 14:1-31.

   How do Moses’ words recorded at Exodus 14:13, 14 affect Jehovah’s servants today as they face the coming battle of Armageddon? (2 Chron. 20:17; Ps. 91:8)

3. Read Exodus 15:1-8, 20, 21.

   1. Why should Jehovah’s servants sing praises to him? (Ex. 15:1, 2; Ps. 105:2, 3; Rev. 15:3, 4)

   2. What example in praising Jehovah did Miriam and the women at the Red Sea set for Christian women today? (Ex. 15:20, 21; Ps. 68:11)

Story 34

1. In the picture, what are the people picking up off the ground, and what is it called?

2. What instruction does Moses give the people about picking up the manna?

3. What does Jehovah tell the people to do on the sixth day, and why?

4. What miracle does Jehovah perform when the manna is kept over to the seventh day?

5. For how long does Jehovah feed the people manna?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 16:1-36 and Numbers 11:7-9.

   1. What does Exodus 16:8 show regarding the need for us to respect theocratic appointments in the Christian congregation? (Heb. 13:17)

   2. In the wilderness, how were the Israelites reminded daily of their dependence on Jehovah? (Ex. 16:14-16, 35; Deut. 8:2, 3)

   3. What symbolic meaning did Jesus give to the manna, and how do we benefit from this “bread from heaven”? (John 6:31-35, 40)

2. Read Joshua 5:10-12.

   For how many years did the Israelites eat manna, how did this test them, and what can we learn from this account? (Ex. 16:35; Num. 11:4-6; 1 Cor. 10:10, 11)

Story 35

1. About two months after leaving Egypt, where do the Israelites camp?

2. What does Jehovah say he wants the people to do, and what is their answer?

3. Why does Jehovah give Moses two flat stones?

4. Besides the Ten Commandments, what other laws did Jehovah give the Israelites?

5. What two laws did Jesus Christ say are the greatest?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 19:1-25; 20:1-21; 24:12-18; and 31:18.

   How do the words recorded at Exodus 19:8 help us to understand what is involved in making a Christian dedication? (Matt. 16:24; 1 Pet. 4:1-3)

2. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Leviticus 19:18; and Matthew 22:36-40.

   How do Christians demonstrate their love for God and neighbor? (Mark 6:34; Acts 4:20; Rom. 15:2)

Story 36

1. In the picture, what are the people doing, and why?

2. Why is Jehovah angry, and what does Moses do when he sees what the people are doing?

3. What does Moses tell some of the men to do?

4. What lesson should this story teach us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 32:1-35.

   1. How does this account show Jehovah’s attitude toward mixing false religion with true worship? (Ex. 32:4-6, 10; 1 Cor. 10:7, 11)

   2. What caution should Christians exercise in their choice of entertainment, such as singing and dancing? (Ex. 32:18, 19; Eph. 5:15, 16; 1 John 2:15-17)

   3. How did the tribe of Levi provide a fine example in standing up for righteousness? (Ex. 32:25-28; Ps. 18:25)

Story 37

1. What is the building in the picture called, and what is it used for?

2. Why did Jehovah tell Moses to make the tent so that it could be taken apart easily?

3. What is the box in the small room at the end of the tent, and what does the box contain?

4. Whom does Jehovah choose to be high priest, and what does the high priest do?

5. Name the three things in the larger room of the tent.

6. What two things are in the courtyard of the tabernacle, and what are they used for?

Additional questions:

1. Read Exodus 25:8-40; 26:1-37; 27:1-8; and 28:1.

   What did the cherubs on “the ark of the testimony” represent? (Ex. 25:20, 22; Num. 7:89; 2 Ki. 19:15)

2. Read Exodus 30:1-10, 17-21; 34:1, 2; and Hebrews 9:1-5.

   1. Why did Jehovah emphasize the importance of maintaining physical cleanness to the priests serving at the tabernacle, and how should this affect us today? (Ex. 30:18-21; 40:30, 31; Heb. 10:22)

   2. How does the apostle Paul show that the tabernacle and the Law covenant were obsolete at the time he wrote his letter to Hebrew Christians? (Heb. 9:1, 9; 10:1)

Story 38

1. What do you notice about the bunch of grapes in the picture, and where did it come from?

2. Why does Moses send 12 spies into the land of Canaan?

3. What do ten spies say when they report back to Moses?

4. How do two spies show trust in Jehovah, and what are their names?

5. Why is Jehovah angry, and what does he tell Moses?

Additional questions:

1. Read Numbers 13:1-33.

   1. Who were chosen to spy out the land, and what grand opportunity did they have? (Num. 13:2, 3, 18-20)

   2. Why did Joshua and Caleb’s view differ from that of the other spies, and what does this teach us? (Num. 13:28-30; Matt. 17:20; 2 Cor. 5:7)

2. Read Numbers 14:1-38.

   1. What warning about murmuring against Jehovah’s earthly representatives should we heed? (Num. 14:2, 3, 27; Matt. 25:40, 45; 1 Cor. 10:10)

   2. How does Numbers 14:24 show that Jehovah takes a personal interest in each one of his servants? (1 Ki. 19:18; Prov. 15:3)

Story 39

1. Who rebel against the authority of Moses and Aaron, and what do they say to Moses?

2. What does Moses tell Korah and his 250 followers to do?

3. What does Moses say to the people, and what happens as soon as he stops talking?

4. What happens to Korah and his 250 followers?

5. What does Eleazar, Aaron’s son, do with the dead men’s fire holders, and why?

6. Why does Jehovah make Aaron’s rod grow flowers? (See picture.)

Additional questions:

1. Read Numbers 16:1-49.

   1. What did Korah and his followers do, and why was it an act of rebellion against Jehovah? (Num. 16:9, 10, 18; Lev. 10:1, 2; Prov. 11:2)

   2. What wrong viewpoint did Korah and the 250 “chieftains of the assembly” cultivate? (Num. 16:1-3; Prov. 15:33; Isa. 49:7)

2. Read Numbers 17:1-11 and 26:10.

   1. What did the sprouting of Aaron’s rod indicate, and why did Jehovah direct that it be kept in the ark? (Num. 17:5, 8, 10)

   2. What vital lesson can we learn from the sign of Aaron’s rod? (Num. 17:10; Acts 20:28; Phil. 2:14; Heb. 13:17)

Story 40

1. How does Jehovah take care of the Israelites while they are in the wilderness?

2. What complaint do the Israelites make when they camp at Kadesh?

3. How does Jehovah provide water for the people and their animals?

4. In the picture, who is the man pointing to himself, and why is he doing that?

5. Why is Jehovah angry with Moses and Aaron, and how are they punished?

6. What happens at Mount Hor, and who becomes Israel’s high priest?

Additional questions:

1. Read Numbers 20:1-13, 22-29 and Deuteronomy 29:5.

   1. What do we learn from the way Jehovah cared for the Israelites in the wilderness? (Deut. 29:5; Matt. 6:31; Heb. 13:5; Jas. 1:17)

   2. How did Jehovah view the failure of Moses and Aaron to sanctify him before Israel? (Num. 20:12; 1 Cor. 10:12; Rev. 4:11)

   3. What can we learn from the way Moses reacted to the discipline he received from Jehovah? (Num. 12:3; 20:12, 27, 28; Deut. 32:4; Heb. 12:7-11)

Story 41

1. In the picture, what is wrapped around the pole, and why did Jehovah tell Moses to put it there?

2. How are the people unthankful for all that God has done for them?

3. What do the people ask Moses to do after Jehovah sends poisonous snakes to punish them?

4. Why does Jehovah tell Moses to make a copper snake?

5. What lesson can we learn from this story?

Additional questions:

1. Read Numbers 21:4-9.

   1. What warning is provided for us by Israel’s complaining about the provisions from Jehovah? (Num. 21:5, 6; Rom. 2:4)

   2. In later centuries, how did the Israelites use the copper serpent, and what action did King Hezekiah take? (Num. 21:9; 2 Ki. 18:1-4)

2. Read John 3:14, 15.

   How did the placing of the copper serpent on a signal pole well picture the impaling of Jesus Christ? (Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24)

Story 42

1. Who is Balak, and why does he send for Balaam?

2. Why does Balaam’s donkey lie down in the road?

3. What does Balaam hear the donkey saying?

4. What does an angel say to Balaam?

5. What happens when Balaam tries to curse Israel?

Additional questions:

1. Read Numbers 21:21-35.

   Why did Israel defeat King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan? (Num. 21:21, 23, 33, 34)

2. Read Numbers 22:1-40.

   What was Balaam’s motive in trying to curse Israel, and what lessons can we draw from this? (Num. 22:16, 17; Prov. 6:16, 18; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11)

3. Read Numbers 23:1-30.

   Although Balaam talked as though he was a worshiper of Jehovah, how did his actions demonstrate otherwise? (Num. 23:3, 11-14; 1 Sam. 15:22)

4. Read Numbers 24:1-25.

   How does this Bible account strengthen our faith in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose? (Num. 24:10; Isa. 54:17)

Story 43

1. In the picture, who are the two men standing with Moses?

2. What does Jehovah tell Joshua?

3. Why does Moses climb to the top of Mount Nebo, and what does Jehovah say to him?

4. How old is Moses when he dies?

5. Why are the people sad, but what reason do they have to be happy?

Additional questions:

1. Read Numbers 27:12-23.

   What weighty assignment did Joshua receive from Jehovah, and how is Jehovah’s care for His people shown today? (Num. 27:15-19; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:7)

2. Read Deuteronomy 3:23-29.

   Why did Jehovah not allow Moses and Aaron to cross over to the land of promise, and what lesson can we learn from this? (Deut. 3:25-27; Num. 20:12, 13)

3. Read Deuteronomy 31:1-8, 14-23.

   How do Moses’ parting words to Israel show that he humbly accepted the discipline from Jehovah? (Deut. 31:6-8, 23)

4. Read Deuteronomy 32:45-52.

   How should God’s Word touch our lives? (Deut. 32:47; Lev. 18:5; Heb. 4:12)

5. Read Deuteronomy 34:1-12.

   Although Moses never literally saw the very person of Jehovah, what does Deuteronomy 34:10 indicate regarding his relationship with Jehovah? (Ex. 33:11, 20; Num. 12:8)

Story 44

1. Where does Rahab live?

2. Who are the two men in the picture, and why are they in Jericho?

3. What does the king of Jericho command Rahab to do, and what answer does she give?

4. How does Rahab help the two men, and what favor does she ask?

5. What promise do the two spies make to Rahab?

Additional questions:

1. Read Joshua 2:1-24.

   How was Jehovah’s promise recorded at Exodus 23:28 fulfilled when the Israelites came against Jericho? (Josh. 2:9-11)

2. Read Hebrews 11:31.

   How does Rahab’s example highlight the importance of faith? (Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:39; Jas. 2:25)

Story 45

1. What miracle does Jehovah perform so that the Israelites can cross the Jordan River?

2. What act of faith must the Israelites perform in order to cross the Jordan River?

3. Why does Jehovah tell Joshua to gather 12 large stones from the riverbed?

4. What happens as soon as the priests go up out of the Jordan?

Additional questions:

1. Read Joshua 3:1-17.

   1. As illustrated by this account, what do we need to do in order to receive Jehovah’s help and blessing? (Josh. 3:13, 15; Prov. 3:5; Jas. 2:22, 26)

   2. What was the condition of the Jordan River when the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land, and how did this magnify Jehovah’s name? (Josh. 3:15; 4:18; Ps. 66:5-7)

2. Read Joshua 4:1-18.

   The 12 stones that were taken from the Jordan and set up at Gilgal served what purpose? (Josh. 4:4-7)

Story 46

1. What does Jehovah tell the fighting men and the priests to do for six days?

2. What are the men to do on the seventh day?

3. As you see in the picture, what is happening to the walls of Jericho?

4. Why is there a red cord hanging from the window?

5. What does Joshua tell the fighting men to do to the people and the city, but what about the silver, gold, copper, and iron?

6. What are the two spies told to do?

Additional questions:

1. Read Joshua 6:1-25.

   1. How is the Israelites’ marching around Jericho on the seventh day similar to the preaching activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses in these last days? (Josh. 6:15, 16; Isa. 60:22; Matt. 24:14; 1 Cor. 9:16)

   2. How was the prophecy recorded at Joshua 6:26 fulfilled some 500 years later, and what does this teach us about Jehovah’s word? (1 Ki. 16:34; Isa. 55:11)

Story 47

1. In the picture, who is the man burying riches taken from Jericho, and who are the ones helping him?

2. Why is the action of Achan and his family so serious?

3. What does Jehovah say when Joshua asks why the Israelites were defeated in the battle at Ai?

4. After Achan and his family are brought to Joshua, what happens to them?

5. What important lesson does the judgment of Achan teach us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Joshua 7:1-26.

   1. What did Joshua’s prayers reveal about his relationship with his Creator? (Josh. 7:7-9; Ps. 119:145; 1 John 5:14)

   2. What does the example of Achan show, and how is this a warning to us? (Josh. 7:11, 14, 15; Prov. 15:3; 1 Tim. 5:24; Heb. 4:13)

2. Read Joshua 8:1-29.

   What personal responsibility do we have toward the Christian congregation today? (Josh. 7:13; Lev. 5:1; Prov. 28:13)

Story 48

1. How are the people of Gibeon different from the Canaanites in nearby cities?

2. As illustrated in the picture, what do the Gibeonites do, and why?

3. What promise do Joshua and the Israelite leaders make to the Gibeonites, but what do they find out three days later?

4. What happens when kings in other cities hear that the Gibeonites have made peace with Israel?

Additional questions:

1. Read Joshua 9:1-27.

   1. Since Jehovah had instructed the nation of Israel “to annihilate all the inhabitants of the land,” what qualities did his sparing of the Gibeonites highlight? (Josh. 9:22, 24; Matt. 9:13; Acts 10:34, 35; 2 Pet. 3:9)

   2. By sticking to the covenant he made with the Gibeonites, how did Joshua set a fine example for Christians today? (Josh. 9:18, 19; Matt. 5:37; Eph. 4:25)

2. Read Joshua 10:1-5.

   How does the great crowd today imitate the Gibeonites, thus becoming targets for what? (Josh. 10:4; Zech. 8:23; Matt. 25:35-40; Rev. 12:17)

Story 49

1. In the picture, what is Joshua saying, and why?

2. How does Jehovah help Joshua and his fighting men?

3. How many enemy kings does Joshua defeat, and how long does it take?

4. Why does Joshua divide the land of Canaan?

5. How old is Joshua when he dies, and what happens to the people afterward?

Additional questions:

1. Read Joshua 10:6-15.

   Knowing that Jehovah made the sun and the moon stand still for Israel, we have what confidence today? (Josh. 10:8, 10, 12, 13; Ps. 18:3; Prov. 18:10)

2. Read Joshua 12:7-24.

   Who was really responsible for defeating 31 kings in Canaan, and why is this important for us today? (Josh. 12:7; 24:11-13; Deut. 31:8; Luke 21:9, 25-28)

3. Read Joshua 14:1-5.

   How was the land divided among Israel’s tribes, and what does this indicate regarding inheritances in Paradise? (Josh. 14:2; Isa. 65:21; Ezek. 47:21-23; 1 Cor. 14:33)

4. Read Judges 2:8-13.

   Like Joshua in Israel, who today act as a restraint against apostasy? (Judg. 2:8, 10, 11; Matt. 24:45-47; 2 Thess. 2:3-6; Titus 1:7-9; Rev. 1:1; 2:1, 2)

Story 50

1. Who are the judges, and what are the names of some of them?

2. What special privilege does Deborah have, and what does this involve?

3. When Israel is threatened by King Jabin and his army chief, Sisera, what message from Jehovah does Deborah give Judge Barak, and who does she say will get the credit?

4. How does Jael show that she is a courageous woman?

5. What happens after King Jabin’s death?

Additional questions:

1. Read Judges 2:14-22.

   How did the Israelites bring Jehovah’s anger upon themselves, and what lesson can we learn from this? (Judg. 2:20; Prov. 3:1, 2; Ezek. 18:21-23)

2. Read Judges 4:1-24.

   What lessons regarding faith and courage can Christian women today learn from the examples of Deborah and Jael? (Judg. 4:4, 8, 9, 14, 21, 22; Prov. 31:30; 1 Cor. 16:13)

3. Read Judges 5:1-31.

   How can the victory song of Barak and Deborah be applied as a prayer regarding the coming war at Har–Magedon? (Judg. 5:3, 31; 1 Chron. 16:8-10; Rev. 7:9, 10; 16:16; 19:19-21)

Story 51

1. How does Naomi come to be in the land of Moab?

2. Who are Ruth and Orpah?

3. How do Ruth and Orpah each respond when Naomi tells them to go back to their people?

4. Who is Boaz, and how does he help Ruth and Naomi?

5. What is the name of the child born to Boaz and Ruth, and why should we remember him?

Additional questions:

1. Read Ruth 1:1-17.

   1. What beautiful expression of loyal love does Ruth make? (Ruth 1:16, 17)

   2. How does Ruth’s mental disposition well express the attitude of the “other sheep” toward the anointed ones on earth today? (John 10:16; Zech. 8:23)

2. Read Ruth 2:1-23.

   How does Ruth provide a fine example for young women today? (Ruth 2:17, 18; Prov. 23:22; 31:15)

3. Read Ruth 3:5-13.

   1. How did Boaz view Ruth’s willingness to marry him rather than a younger man?

   2. What does Ruth’s attitude teach us about loyal love? (Ruth 3:10; 1 Cor. 13:4, 5)

4. Read Ruth 4:7-17.

   How can Christian men today be like Boaz? (Ruth 4:9, 10; 1 Tim. 3:1, 12, 13; 5:8)

Story 52

1. How and why are the Israelites in a lot of trouble?

2. Why does Jehovah tell Gideon that he has too many men in his army?

3. How many men remain after Gideon tells the fearful men to go back home?

4. From the picture, explain how Jehovah reduces the number of Gideon’s army to just 300 men.

5. How does Gideon organize his 300 men, and how does Israel win the battle?

Additional questions:

1. Read Judges 6:36-40.

   1. How did Gideon make sure of Jehovah’s will?

   2. How do we today find out what Jehovah’s will is? (Prov. 2:3-6; Matt. 7:7-11; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17)

2. Read Judges 7:1-25.

   1. What lesson can we learn from the 300 who remained alert in contrast with those who showed carelessness? (Judg. 7:3, 6; Rom. 13:11, 12; Eph. 5:15-17)

   2. Just as the 300 learned by watching Gideon, how do we learn by watching the Greater Gideon, Jesus Christ? (Judg. 7:17; Matt. 11:29, 30; 28:19, 20; 1 Pet. 2:21)

   3. How does Judges 7:21 help us be content to serve wherever we are assigned in Jehovah’s organization? (1 Cor. 4:2; 12:14-18; Jas. 4:10)

3. Read Judges 8:1-3.

   When it comes to handling personal differences with a brother or a sister, what can we learn from the way Gideon solved the dispute with the Ephraimites? (Prov. 15:1; Matt. 5:23, 24; Luke 9:48)

Story 53

1. Who is Jephthah, and during what time did he live?

2. What promise does Jephthah make to Jehovah?

3. Why does Jephthah become sad when he returns home from the victory over the Ammonites?

4. What does Jephthah’s daughter say when she learns of her father’s promise?

5. Why do the people love Jephthah’s daughter?

Additional questions:

1. Read Judges 10:6-18.

   What warning should we heed from Israel’s record of unfaithfulness to Jehovah? (Judg. 10:6, 15, 16; Rom. 15:4; Rev. 2:10)

2. Read Judges 11:1-11, 29-40.

   1. How do we know that Jephthah’s giving his daughter as “a burnt offering” did not mean offering her by fire as a human sacrifice? (Judg. 11:31; Lev. 16:24; Deut. 18:10, 12)

   2. In what way did Jephthah offer up his daughter as a sacrifice?

   3. What can we learn from Jephthah’s attitude toward his vow to Jehovah? (Judg. 11:35, 39; Eccl. 5:4, 5; Matt. 16:24)

   4. How is Jephthah’s daughter a fine example for young Christians in pursuing a career in full-time service? (Judg. 11:36; Matt. 6:33; Phil. 3:8)

Story 54

1. What is the name of the strongest man who ever lived, and who gave him his strength?

2. On one occasion, what does Samson do to a big lion, as you can see in the picture?

3. What secret is Samson telling Delilah in the picture, and how does this lead to his capture by the Philistines?

4. How does Samson bring about the death of 3,000 enemy Philistines on the day that he died?

Additional questions:

1. Read Judges 13:1-14.

   How do Manoah and his wife provide a good example for parents in rearing their children? (Judg. 13:8; Ps. 127:3; Eph. 6:4)

2. Read Judges 14:5-9 and 15:9-16.

   1. What do the accounts of Samson’s killing the lion, breaking new ropes that bound him, and using the jawbone of a male ass to kill 1,000 men reveal about the operation of Jehovah’s holy spirit?

   2. How does holy spirit help us today? (Judg. 14:6; 15:14; Zech. 4:6; Acts 4:31)

3. Read Judges 16:18-31.

   How was Samson affected by bad associations, and what can we learn from this? (Judg. 16:18, 19; 1 Cor. 15:33)

Story 55

1. What is the name of the little boy in the picture, and who are the others?

2. What prayer does Hannah say one day when she is visiting Jehovah’s tabernacle, and how does Jehovah answer her?

3. How old is Samuel when he is taken to serve at Jehovah’s tent, and what does his mother do for him each year?

4. What are the names of Eli’s sons, and what kind of men are they?

5. How does Jehovah call Samuel, and what message does He give him?

6. What does Samuel become when he grows up, and what happens when he grows old?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-28.

   1. What fine example for family heads does Elkanah provide in taking the lead in true worship? (1 Sam. 1:3, 21; Matt. 6:33; Phil. 1:10)

   2. What lesson can we learn from Hannah’s example in dealing with a perplexing problem? (1 Sam. 1:10, 11; Ps. 55:22; Rom. 12:12)

2. Read 1 Samuel 2:11-36.

   How did Eli honor his sons more than Jehovah, and how can this serve as a warning to us? (1 Sam. 2:22-24, 27, 29; Deut. 21:18-21; Matt. 10:36, 37)

3. Read 1 Samuel 4:16-18.

   What fourfold message of woe comes from the battle line, and what effect does it have on Eli?

4. Read 1 Samuel 8:4-9.

   How did Israel greatly offend Jehovah, and how can we loyally support his Kingdom today? (1 Sam. 8:5, 7; John 17:16; Jas. 4:4)

Story 56

1. In the picture, what is Samuel doing, and why?

2. Why does Jehovah like Saul, and what kind of man is he?

3. What is the name of Saul’s son, and what does the son do?

4. Why does Saul offer a sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel to do it?

5. What lessons can we learn from the account about Saul?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 9:15-21 and 10:17-27.

   How did Saul’s modest attitude help him to avoid rash action when certain men talked disrespectfully about him? (1 Sam. 9:21; 10:21, 22, 27; Prov. 17:27)

2. Read 1 Samuel 13:5-14.

   What was the sin that Saul committed at Gilgal? (1 Sam. 10:8; 13:8, 9, 13)

3. Read 1 Samuel 15:1-35.

   1. What serious sin did Saul commit in connection with Agag, the king of Amalek? (1 Sam. 15:2, 3, 8, 9, 22)

   2. How did Saul try to justify his actions and shift the blame? (1 Sam. 15:24)

   3. What warning should we heed today when we are given counsel? (1 Sam. 15:19-21; Ps. 141:5; Prov. 9:8, 9; 11:2)

Story 57

1. What is the name of the boy in the picture, and how do we know that he is brave?

2. Where does David live, and what are the names of his father and grandfather?

3. Why does Jehovah tell Samuel to go to Jesse’s house in Bethlehem?

4. What happens when Jesse brings seven of his sons to Samuel?

5. When David is brought in, what does Jehovah tell Samuel?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 17:34, 35.

   How do these events emphasize David’s courage and reliance on Jehovah? (1 Sam. 17:37)

2. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-14.

   1. How do Jehovah’s words at 1 Samuel 16:7 help us to be impartial and to avoid being prejudiced by outward appearances? (Acts 10:34, 35; 1 Tim. 2:4)

   2. How does Saul’s example show that when Jehovah removes his holy spirit from a person, the vacancy can be filled by a bad spirit, or an inward urge to do wrong? (1 Sam. 16:14; Matt. 12:43-45; Gal. 5:16)

Story 58

1. What challenge does Goliath make to the Israelite army?

2. How big is Goliath, and what reward does King Saul promise to the man who kills Goliath?

3. What does David say when Saul tells him that he cannot fight Goliath because David is just a boy?

4. In his reply to Goliath, how does David show his trust in Jehovah?

5. As you can see in the picture, what does David use to kill Goliath, and what happens to the Philistines after this?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 17:1-54.

   1. What was the secret of David’s fearlessness, and how can we imitate his courage? (1 Sam. 17:37, 45; Eph. 6:10, 11)

   2. Why should Christians avoid a competitive spirit like that of Goliath when engaging in games or recreation? (1 Sam. 17:8; Gal. 5:26; 1 Tim. 4:8)

   3. How do David’s words indicate that he had faith in God’s backing? (1 Sam. 17:45-47; 2 Chron. 20:15)

   4. Rather than describing just a contest between two opposing armies, how does this account show that the battle was really between false gods and the true God, Jehovah? (1 Sam. 17:43, 46, 47)

   5. How do the anointed remnant imitate David’s example of trusting in Jehovah? (1 Sam. 17:37; Jer. 1:17-19; Rev. 12:17)

Story 59

1. Why is Saul jealous of David, but how is Saul’s son Jonathan different?

2. What happens one day when David is playing the harp for Saul?

3. What does Saul say that David must do before he can take Saul’s daughter Michal as a wife, and why does Saul say this?

4. When David plays the harp for Saul, what happens for the third time, as the picture shows?

5. How does Michal help save David’s life, and what does David then have to do for seven years?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 18:1-30.

   1. How did the unbreakable love of Jonathan for David foreshadow the mutual love between the “other sheep” and the “little flock”? (1 Sam. 18:1; John 10:16; Luke 12:32; Zech. 8:23)

   2. In view of the fact that Jonathan would normally have been Saul’s heir, how does 1 Samuel 18:4 show Jonathan’s outstanding submission to the one chosen to be king?

   3. How does Saul’s example show that jealousy can lead to grave sin, and what warning does this provide for us? (1 Sam. 18:7-9, 25; Jas. 3:14-16)

2. Read 1 Samuel 19:1-17.

   When confronting Saul, how did Jonathan put his own life at risk? (1 Sam. 19:1, 4-6; Prov. 16:14)

Story 60

1. What is the name of the woman coming to meet David in the picture, and what kind of person is she?

2. Who is Nabal?

3. Why does David send some of his men to ask Nabal for a favor?

4. What does Nabal say to David’s men, and how does David respond?

5. How does Abigail show that she is a wise woman?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 22:1-4.

   How did David’s family provide a fine example of how we should support one another in the Christian brotherhood? (Prov. 17:17; 1 Thess. 5:14)

2. Read 1 Samuel 25:1-43.

   1. Why is Nabal described so contemptuously? (1 Sam. 25:2-5, 10, 14, 21, 25)

   2. What can Christian wives today learn from Abigail’s example? (1 Sam. 25:32, 33; Prov. 31:26; Eph. 5:24)

   3. Abigail restrained David from doing what two bad things? (1 Sam. 25:31, 33; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26)

   4. How does David’s reaction to Abigail’s words help men today to have Jehovah’s view of women? (Acts 21:8, 9; Rom. 2:11; 1 Pet. 3:7)

Story 61

1. What did David and Abishai do while Saul was sleeping in his camp?

2. What questions does David ask Saul?

3. After leaving Saul, where does David go?

4. What makes David very sad, so that he writes a beautiful song?

5. How old is David when he is made king in Hebron, and what are the names of some of his sons?

6. Where does David later rule as king?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Samuel 26:1-25.

   1. David’s expression recorded at 1 Samuel 26:11 reveals what attitude toward theocratic order? (Ps. 37:7; Rom. 13:2)

   2. When we put forth an earnest effort to express loving-kindness but meet with an unappreciative response, how can David’s words found at 1 Samuel 26:23 help us maintain a proper viewpoint? (1 Ki. 8:32; Ps. 18:20)

2. Read 2 Samuel 1:26.

   How can Christians today develop the same kind of “intense love for one another” that David and Jonathan had? (1 Pet. 4:8; Col. 3:14; 1 John 4:12)

3. Read 2 Samuel 5:1-10.

   1. For how many years did David reign as king, and how was this period divided up? (2 Sam. 5:4, 5)

   2. To what is David’s greatness attributed, and how does it serve as a reminder for us today? (2 Sam. 5:10; 1 Sam. 16:13; 1 Cor. 1:31; Phil. 4:13)

Story 62

1. With Jehovah’s help, what finally happens to the land of Canaan?

2. What happens one evening when David is on the roof of his palace?

3. Why is Jehovah very angry with David?

4. In the picture, whom does Jehovah send to tell David about his sins, and what does that man say will happen to David?

5. What trouble does David have?

6. After David, who becomes the king of Israel?

Additional questions:

1. Read 2 Samuel 11:1-27.

   1. How is keeping busy in Jehovah’s service a protection for us?

   2. How was David drawn into sin, and what warning does this provide for Jehovah’s servants today? (2 Sam. 11:2; Matt. 5:27-29; 1 Cor. 10:12; Jas. 1:14, 15)

2. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-18.

   1. What lesson can elders and parents learn from the way that Nathan approached David to offer counsel? (2 Sam. 12:1-4; Prov. 12:18; Matt. 13:34)

   2. Why did Jehovah act mercifully toward David? (2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 32:5; 2 Cor. 7:9, 10)

Story 63

1. What does Jehovah ask Solomon, and how does he answer?

2. Because he is pleased with Solomon’s request, what does Jehovah promise to give him?

3. What hard problem do two women present to Solomon?

4. As you can see in the picture, how does Solomon solve the problem?

5. What is Solomon’s rule like, and why?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Kings 3:3-28.

   1. What can men who are given responsibilities in God’s organization today learn from Solomon’s heartfelt expression at 1 Kings 3:7? (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 3:5, 6)

   2. How is Solomon’s request a fine example of the proper things for which to pray? (1 Ki. 3:9, 11; Prov. 30:8, 9; 1 John 5:14)

   3. What confidence does Solomon’s handling of the dispute between the two women give us regarding the future rulership of the Greater Solomon, Jesus Christ? (1 Ki. 3:28; Isa. 9:6, 7; 11:2-4)

2. Read 1 Kings 4:29-34.

   1. How did Jehovah answer Solomon’s request for an obedient heart? (1 Ki. 4:29)

   2. In view of the efforts made by people to hear Solomon’s wisdom, what should be our attitude toward the study of God’s Word? (1 Ki. 4:29, 34; John 17:3; 2 Tim. 3:16)

Story 64

1. How long does it take Solomon to complete the building of Jehovah’s temple, and why does it cost so much money?

2. How many main rooms are there in the temple, and what is put in the inside room?

3. What does Solomon say in his prayer when the temple is finished?

4. How does Jehovah show that he is pleased with Solomon’s prayer?

5. What do Solomon’s wives get him to do, and what happens to Solomon?

6. Why is Jehovah angry with Solomon, and what does Jehovah say to him?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Chronicles 28:9, 10.

   In view of David’s words recorded at 1 Chronicles 28:9, 10, what should we strive to do in our daily lives? (Ps. 19:14; Phil. 4:8, 9)

2. Read 2 Chronicles 6:12-21, 32-42.

   1. How did Solomon show that no man-made building can hold the Most High God? (2 Chron. 6:18; Acts 17:24, 25)

   2. What do Solomon’s words found at 2 Chronicles 6:32, 33 show about Jehovah? (Acts 10:34, 35; Gal. 2:6)

3. Read 2 Chronicles 7:1-5.

   Just as the sons of Israel were moved to make an expression of praise to Jehovah at seeing his glory, how should we today be affected when we contemplate Jehovah’s blessing on his people? (2 Chron. 7:3; Ps. 22:22; 34:1; 96:2)

4. Read 1 Kings 11:9-13.

   How does Solomon’s life course show the importance of remaining faithful to the end? (1 Ki. 11:4, 9; Matt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10)

Story 65

1. What are the names of the two men in the picture, and who are they?

2. What does Ahijah do with the robe he is wearing, and what does that act mean?

3. What does Solomon try to do to Jeroboam?

4. Why do the people make Jeroboam king over ten tribes?

5. Why does Jeroboam make two golden calves, and what happens to the land soon afterward?

6. What happens to the two-tribe kingdom and Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Kings 11:26-43.

   What kind of person was Jeroboam, and what did Jehovah promise him if he kept God’s laws? (1 Ki. 11:28, 38)

2. Read 1 Kings 12:1-33.

   1. From Rehoboam’s bad example, what can parents and elders learn regarding abuse of authority? (1 Ki. 12:13; Eccl. 7:7; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3)

   2. To whom should youths today turn for reliable guidance when making serious decisions in life? (1 Ki. 12:6, 7; Prov. 1:8, 9; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 13:7)

   3. What moved Jeroboam to set up two centers for calf worship, and how did this show a great lack of faith in Jehovah? (1 Ki. 11:37; 12:26-28)

   4. Who led the people of the ten-tribe kingdom in a rebellion against true worship? (1 Ki. 12:32, 33)

Story 66

1. Who is Jezebel?

2. Why is King Ahab sad one day?

3. What does Jezebel do to get Naboth’s vineyard for her husband, Ahab?

4. Who does Jehovah send to punish Jezebel?

5. As you can see in the picture, what happens when Jehu arrives at Jezebel’s palace?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Kings 16:29-33 and 18:3, 4.

   How bad were conditions in Israel during the time of King Ahab? (1 Ki. 14:9)

2. Read 1 Kings 21:1-16.

   1. How did Naboth show courage and loyalty to Jehovah? (1 Ki. 21:1-3; Lev. 25:23-28)

   2. From Ahab’s example, what can we learn about coping with disappointment? (1 Ki. 21:4; Rom. 5:3-5)

3. Read 2 Kings 9:30-37.

   What can we learn from Jehu’s zeal in doing Jehovah’s will? (2 Ki. 9:4-10; 2 Cor. 9:1, 2; 2 Tim. 4:2)

Story 67

1. Who is Jehoshaphat, and at what time does he live?

2. Why are the Israelites afraid, and what do many of them do?

3. What answer does Jehovah give to Jehoshaphat’s prayer?

4. What does Jehovah cause to happen before the battle?

5. What lesson can we learn from Jehoshaphat?

Additional questions:

1. Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.

   1. How did Jehoshaphat demonstrate what faithful servants of God should do when faced with threatening circumstances? (2 Chron. 20:12; Ps. 25:15; 62:1)

   2. Since Jehovah has always used a channel of communication when dealing with his people, what channel does he use today? (2 Chron. 20:14, 15; Matt. 24:45-47; John 15:15)

   3. When God launches the “war of the great day of God the Almighty,” how will our situation be similar to that of Jehoshaphat? (2 Chron. 20:15, 17; 32:8; Rev. 16:14, 16)

   4. Imitating the Levites, pioneers and missionaries make what kind of contribution to the worldwide preaching work today? (2 Chron. 20:19, 21; Rom. 10:13-15; 2 Tim. 4:2)

Story 68

1. Who are the three people in the picture, and what happens to the little boy?

2. What does Elijah pray regarding the boy, and what happens next?

3. What is the name of Elijah’s helper?

4. Why is Elisha called to the home of a woman in Shunem?

5. What does Elisha do, and what happens to the dead child?

6. What power does Jehovah have, as shown through Elijah and Elisha?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Kings 17:8-24.

   1. How was Elijah’s obedience and faith tested? (1 Ki. 17:9; 19:1-4, 10)

   2. Why was the faith of the widow of Zarephath outstanding? (1 Ki. 17:12-16; Luke 4:25, 26)

   3. How does the experience of the widow of Zarephath bear out the truthfulness of Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 10:41, 42? (1 Ki. 17:10-12, 17, 23, 24)

2. Read 2 Kings 4:8-37.

   1. What does the woman of Shunem teach us about hospitality? (2 Ki. 4:8; Luke 6:38; Rom. 12:13; 1 John 3:17)

   2. In what ways can we show acts of kindness toward God’s servants today? (Acts 20:35; 28:1, 2; Gal. 6:9, 10; Heb. 6:10)

Story 69

1. In the picture, what is the little girl telling the lady?

2. Who is the lady in the picture, and what is the little girl doing at the lady’s house?

3. What does Elisha instruct his servant to tell Naaman, and why does Naaman get angry?

4. What happens when Naaman listens to his servants?

5. Why does Elisha refuse Naaman’s gift, but what does Gehazi do?

6. What happens to Gehazi, and what can we learn from this?

Additional questions:

1. Read 2 Kings 5:1-27.

   1. How can the example set by the little Israelite girl encourage young ones today? (2 Ki. 5:3; Ps. 8:2; 148:12, 13)

   2. Why is it good to keep Naaman’s example in mind when we receive Scriptural counsel? (2 Ki. 5:15; Heb. 12:5, 6; Jas. 4:6)

   3. What lessons can we learn by contrasting Elisha’s example with that of Gehazi? (2 Ki. 5:9, 10, 14-16, 20; Matt. 10:8; Acts 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:17)

Story 70

1. Who is Jonah, and what does Jehovah tell him to do?

2. Because he does not want to go where Jehovah tells him, what does Jonah do?

3. What does Jonah tell the sailors to do in order to stop the storm?

4. As you can see in the picture, what happens when Jonah sinks down into the water?

5. How long is Jonah inside the big fish, and what does he do there?

6. Where does Jonah go after he gets out of the big fish, and what does this teach us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Jonah 1:1-17.

   Evidently, how did Jonah feel about his assignment to preach to the Ninevites? (Jonah 1:2, 3; Prov. 3:7; Eccl. 8:12)

2. Read Jonah 2:1, 2, 10.

   How does Jonah’s experience give us confidence that Jehovah will answer our prayers? (Ps. 22:24; 34:6; 1 John 5:14)

3. Read Jonah 3:1-10.

   1. What encouragement do we get from the fact that Jehovah continued to use Jonah despite his initial failure to fulfill his assignment? (Ps. 103:14; 1 Pet. 5:10)

   2. What does Jonah’s experience with the Ninevites teach us about prejudging people in our territory? (Jonah 3:6-9; Eccl. 11:6; Acts 13:48)

Story 71

1. Who was Isaiah, when did he live, and what did Jehovah show him?

2. What does the word “paradise” mean, and of what does it remind you?

3. What did Jehovah tell Isaiah to write about the new Paradise?

4. Why did Adam and Eve lose their beautiful home?

5. What does Jehovah promise for those who love him?

Additional questions:

1. Read Isaiah 11:6-9.

   1. How does God’s Word portray the peace that will exist between animals and humans in the new world? (Ps. 148:10, 13; Isa. 65:25; Ezek. 34:25)

   2. What spiritual fulfillment of Isaiah’s words is taking place among Jehovah’s people today? (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23, 24)

   3. Who deserves the credit for the transformation in human personalities both now and in the new world? (Isa. 48:17, 18; Gal. 5:22, 23; Phil. 4:7)

2. Read Revelation 21:3, 4.

   1. How do the Scriptures indicate that God’s dwelling with mankind means that he is figuratively present, not physically present, on earth? (Lev. 26:11, 12; 2 Chron. 6:18; Isa. 66:1; Rev. 21:2, 3, 22-24)

   2. What kind of tears and pain will be done away with? (Luke 8:49-52; Rom. 8:21, 22; Rev. 21:4)

Story 72

1. Who is the man in the picture, and why is he in a lot of trouble?

2. What are the letters that Hezekiah has put before God, and what does Hezekiah pray?

3. What kind of a king is Hezekiah, and what message does Jehovah send to him through the prophet Isaiah?

4. What does Jehovah’s angel do to the Assyrians, as shown in the picture?

5. Although the two-tribe kingdom has peace for a while, what happens after Hezekiah dies?

Additional questions:

1. Read 2 Kings 18:1-36.

   1. How did the Assyrian spokesman Rabshakeh seek to weaken the faith of the Israelites? (2 Ki. 18:19, 21; Ex. 5:2; Ps. 64:3)

   2. When dealing with opposers, how do Jehovah’s Witnesses heed the example of Hezekiah? (2 Ki. 18:36; Ps. 39:1; Prov. 26:4; 2 Tim. 2:24)

2. Read 2 Kings 19:1-37.

   1. How do Jehovah’s people today imitate Hezekiah in times of distress? (2 Ki. 19:1, 2; Prov. 3:5, 6; Heb. 10:24, 25; Jas. 5:14, 15)

   2. What threefold defeat did King Sennacherib experience, and whom does he prophetically picture? (2 Ki. 19:32, 35, 37; Rev. 20:2, 3)

3. Read 2 Kings 21:1-6, 16.

   Why can it be said that Manasseh was one of the wickedest kings ever to rule in Jerusalem? (2 Chron. 33:4-6, 9)

Story 73

1. How old is Josiah when he becomes king, and what does he start to do when he has been king for seven years?

2. What do you see Josiah doing in the first picture?

3. What does the high priest find when the men are repairing the temple?

4. Why does Josiah tear his clothes apart?

5. What message from Jehovah does the prophetess Huldah give Josiah?

Additional questions:

1. Read 2 Chronicles 34:1-28.

   1. What example does Josiah provide for those who may have had to endure a difficult childhood? (2 Chron. 33:21-25; 34:1, 2; Ps. 27:10)

   2. What significant steps did Josiah take to advance true worship during the 8th, 12th, and 18th years of his reign? (2 Chron. 34:3, 8)

   3. What lessons in maintaining our places of worship can we learn from the examples set by King Josiah and High Priest Hilkiah? (2 Chron. 34:9-13; Prov. 11:14; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Story 74

1. Who is the young man in the picture?

2. What does Jeremiah think about his becoming a prophet, but what does Jehovah tell him?

3. What message does Jeremiah keep telling the people?

4. How do the priests try to stop Jeremiah, but how does he show that he is not afraid?

5. What happens when the Israelites do not change their bad ways?

Additional questions:

1. Read Jeremiah 1:1-8.

   1. As Jeremiah’s example demonstrates, what qualifies a person for Jehovah’s service? (2 Cor. 3:5, 6)

   2. What encouragement does Jeremiah’s example provide for Christian youths today? (Eccl. 12:1; 1 Tim. 4:12)

2. Read Jeremiah 10:1-5.

   What powerful illustration does Jeremiah use to show the futility of trusting in idols? (Jer. 10:5; Isa. 46:7; Hab. 2:19)

3. Read Jeremiah 26:1-16.

   1. When sounding the warning message today, how has the anointed remnant taken to heart Jehovah’s command to Jeremiah ‘not to take away a word’? (Jer. 26:2; Deut. 4:2; Acts 20:27)

   2. What fine example did Jeremiah provide for Jehovah’s Witnesses today in declaring Jehovah’s warning to the nations? (Jer. 26:8, 12, 14, 15; 2 Tim. 4:1-5)

4. Read 2 Kings 24:1-17.

   What sad consequences resulted from Judah’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah? (2 Ki. 24:2-4, 14)

Story 75

1. Who are the four boys in the picture, and why are they in Babylon?

2. What plans does Nebuchadnezzar have for the four boys, and what orders does he give his servants?

3. What request does Daniel make regarding food and drink for himself and his three friends?

4. After eating vegetables for ten days, how do Daniel and his three friends compare with the other young men?

5. How do Daniel and his three friends come to be in the king’s palace, and in what way are they better than the priests and wise men?

Additional questions:

1. Read Daniel 1:1-21.

   1. What kind of effort is needed if we hope to resist temptations and overcome weaknesses? (Dan. 1:8; Gen. 39:7, 10; Gal. 6:9)

   2. In what ways might youths today be tempted or pressured to indulge in what some consider to be “delicacies”? (Dan. 1:8; Prov. 20:1; 2 Cor. 6:17–7:1)

   3. What does the Bible account of the four Hebrew youths help us to appreciate regarding taking in secular knowledge? (Dan. 1:20; Isa. 54:13; 1 Cor. 3:18-20)

Story 76

1. What is happening to Jerusalem and to the Israelites shown in the picture?

2. Who is Ezekiel, and what shocking things does Jehovah show him?

3. Because the Israelites have no respect for Jehovah, what does he promise?

4. What does King Nebuchadnezzar do after the Israelites rebel against him?

5. Why does Jehovah let this terrible destruction happen to the Israelites?

6. How is the land of Israel left without any people, and for how long?

Additional questions:

1. Read 2 Kings 25:1-26.

   1. Who was Zedekiah, what happened to him, and how did this fulfill Bible prophecy? (2 Ki. 25:5-7; Ezek. 12:13-15)

   2. Whom did Jehovah hold accountable for all the unfaithfulness that Israel committed? (2 Ki. 25:9, 11, 12, 18, 19; 2 Chron. 36:14, 17)

2. Read Ezekiel 8:1-18.

   How has Christendom imitated apostate Israelite sun worshipers? (Ezek. 8:16; Isa. 5:20, 21; John 3:19-21; 2 Tim. 4:3)

Story 77

1. What command has Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, given to the people?

2. Why are Daniel’s three friends not bowing down to the image of gold?

3. When Nebuchadnezzar gives the three Hebrews another chance to bow down, how do they show their trust in Jehovah?

4. What does Nebuchadnezzar have his men do to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

5. What does Nebuchadnezzar see when he looks into the furnace?

6. Why does the king praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and what example do they provide for us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Daniel 3:1-30.

   1. What attitude displayed by the three young Hebrews should all of God’s servants imitate when faced with tests of integrity? (Dan. 3:17, 18; Matt. 10:28; Rom. 14:7, 8)

   2. What important lesson did Jehovah God teach Nebuchadnezzar? (Dan. 3:28, 29; 4:34, 35)

Story 78

1. What happens when the king of Babylon has a big feast and uses the cups and bowls taken from Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem?

2. What does Belshazzar say to his wise men, but what are they unable to do?

3. What does the king’s mother tell him to do?

4. According to what Daniel tells the king, why has God sent the hand to write on the wall?

5. How does Daniel explain the meaning of the words on the wall?

6. What happens while Daniel is yet speaking?

Additional questions:

1. Read Daniel 5:1-31.

   1. Contrast godly fear with the fear that Belshazzar felt when he saw the writing on the wall. (Dan. 5:6, 7; Ps. 19:9; Rom. 8:35-39)

   2. How did Daniel show great courage when speaking to Belshazzar and his grandees? (Dan. 5:17, 18, 22, 26-28; Acts 4:29)

   3. In what way does Daniel chapter 5 underscore Jehovah’s universal sovereignty? (Dan. 4:17, 25; 5:21)

Story 79

1. Who is Darius, and how does he view Daniel?

2. What do some jealous men get Darius to do?

3. What does Daniel do when he learns about the new law?

4. Why is Darius so upset that he cannot sleep, and what does he do the next morning?

5. How does Daniel answer Darius?

6. What happens to the bad men who tried to kill Daniel, and what does Darius write to all the people in his kingdom?

Additional questions:

1. Read Daniel 6:1-28.

   1. How does the conspiracy against Daniel remind us of what opposers have done to try to suppress the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in modern times? (Dan. 6:7; Ps. 94:20; Isa. 10:1; Rom. 8:31)

   2. How can servants of God today imitate Daniel in remaining subject to “the superior authorities”? (Dan. 6:5, 10; Rom. 13:1; Acts 5:29)

   3. How can we imitate Daniel’s example of serving Jehovah “with constancy”? (Dan. 6:16, 20; Phil. 3:16; Rev. 7:15)

Story 80

1. As illustrated in the picture, what are the Israelites doing?

2. How did Cyrus fulfill Jehovah’s prophecy through Isaiah?

3. What does Cyrus tell the Israelites who cannot return to Jerusalem?

4. What does Cyrus give the people to take back to Jerusalem?

5. How long does it take the Israelites to get back to Jerusalem?

6. How many years have passed since the land was left completely empty of people?

Additional questions:

1. Read Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1-4.

   1. How did Jehovah emphasize the certainty of the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Cyrus? (Isa. 55:10, 11; Rom. 4:17)

   2. What does Isaiah’s prophecy regarding Cyrus show about Jehovah God’s ability to foretell the future? (Isa. 42:9; 45:21; 46:10, 11; 2 Pet. 1:20)

2. Read Ezra 1:1-11.

   Following the example of those who were unable to return to Jerusalem, how can we today ‘strengthen the hands’ of those who are able to enter full-time service? (Ezra 1:4, 6; Rom. 12:13; Col. 4:12)

Story 81

1. How many people make the long trip from Babylon to Jerusalem, but what do they find when they arrive?

2. What do the Israelites begin to build after they arrive, but what do their enemies do?

3. Who are Haggai and Zechariah, and what do they tell the people?

4. Why does Tattenai send a letter to Babylon, and what answer does he receive?

5. What does Ezra do when he learns about the need to fix up God’s temple?

6. What is Ezra praying for in the picture, how is his prayer answered, and what does this teach us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Ezra 3:1-13.

   If we ever find ourselves in an area where there is no congregation of God’s people, what should we continue to do? (Ezra 3:3, 6; Acts 17:16, 17; Heb. 13:15)

2. Read Ezra 4:1-7.

   What example did Zerubbabel set for Jehovah’s people regarding interfaith? (Ex. 34:12; 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:14-17)

3. Read Ezra 5:1-5, 17 and 6:1-22.

   1. Why were the opposers unable to stop the temple building work? (Ezra 5:5; Isa. 54:17)

   2. How does the action of the older men of the Jews encourage Christian elders to seek Jehovah’s guidance when facing opposers? (Ezra 6:14; Ps. 32:8; Rom. 8:31; Jas. 1:5)

4. Read Ezra 8:21-23, 28-36.

   Before we embark on a certain course of action, what example of Ezra would be good for us to imitate? (Ezra 8:23; Ps. 127:1; Prov. 10:22; Jas. 4:13-15)

Story 82

1. Who are Mordecai and Esther?

2. Why does King Ahasuerus want a new wife, and whom does he choose?

3. Who is Haman, and what makes him very angry?

4. What law is made, and what does Esther do after receiving a message from Mordecai?

5. What happens to Haman, and what happens to Mordecai?

6. How are the Israelites saved from their enemies?

Additional questions:

1. Read Esther 2:12-18.

   How did Esther demonstrate the value of cultivating a “quiet and mild spirit”? (Esther 2:15; 1 Pet. 3:1-5)

2. Read Esther 4:1-17.

   Just as Esther was given an opportunity to act in behalf of true worship, what opportunity are we given today to express our devotion and loyalty to Jehovah? (Esther 4:13, 14; Matt. 5:14-16; 24:14)

3. Read Esther 7:1-6.

   How have many of God’s people today similarly risked persecution, as Esther did? (Esther 7:4; Matt. 10:16-22; 1 Pet. 2:12)

Story 83

1. How did the Israelites feel about not having walls around their city of Jerusalem?

2. Who is Nehemiah?

3. What is Nehemiah’s job, and why is it important?

4. What news makes Nehemiah sad, and what does he do?

5. How does King Artaxerxes show kindness to Nehemiah?

6. How does Nehemiah arrange the building work so that the Israelites’ enemies cannot stop it?

Additional questions:

1. Read Nehemiah 1:4-6 and 2:1-20.

   How did Nehemiah seek Jehovah’s guidance? (Neh. 2:4, 5; Rom. 12:12; 1 Pet. 4:7)

2. Read Nehemiah 3:3-5.

   What can elders and ministerial servants learn from the contrast between the Tekoites and their “majestic ones”? (Neh. 3:5, 27; 2 Thess. 3:7-10; 1 Pet. 5:5)

3. Read Nehemiah 4:1-23.

   1. What motivated the Israelites to continue building despite fierce opposition? (Neh. 4:6, 8, 9; Ps. 50:15; Isa. 65:13, 14)

   2. In what way does the Israelites’ example encourage us today?

4. Read Nehemiah 6:15.

   What does the fact that Jerusalem’s walls were completed within two months demonstrate regarding the power of faith? (Ps. 56:3, 4; Matt. 17:20; 19:26)

Story 84

1. Who is the woman in the picture?

2. What does Gabriel tell Mary?

3. How does Gabriel explain to Mary that she will have a baby even though she has not lived with a man?

4. What happens when Mary visits her relative Elizabeth?

5. What does Joseph think when he learns that Mary is going to have a baby, but why does he change his mind?

Additional questions:

1. Read Luke 1:26-56.

   1. What does Luke 1:35 indicate regarding any Adamic imperfection in Mary’s ovum when the life of God’s Son was transferred from the spirit realm? (Hag. 2:11-13; John 6:69; Heb. 7:26; 10:5)

   2. How did Jesus receive honor even before his birth? (Luke 1:41-43)

   3. What fine example did Mary provide for Christians today who receive special privileges of service? (Luke 1:38, 46-49; 17:10; Prov. 11:2)

2. Read Matthew 1:18-25.

   Although Jesus was not given the personal name Immanuel, how did his role as a human fulfill its meaning? (Matt. 1:22, 23; John 14:8-10; Heb. 1:1-3)

Story 85

1. Who is the little baby in the picture, and where is Mary laying him?

2. Why was Jesus born in a stable with the animals?

3. In the picture, who are the men entering the stable, and what had an angel told them?

4. Why is Jesus special?

5. Why can Jesus be called God’s Son?

Additional questions:

1. Read Luke 2:1-20.

   1. What part did Caesar Augustus play in the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Jesus’ birth? (Luke 2:1-4; Mic. 5:2)

   2. How may an individual come to be included among those referred to as “men of goodwill”? (Luke 2:14; Matt. 16:24; John 17:3; Acts 3:19; Heb. 11:6)

   3. If those humble Judean shepherds had reason to rejoice over the birth of a Savior, what greater reason for joy do God’s servants have today? (Luke 2:10, 11; Eph. 3:8, 9; Rev. 11:15; 14:6)

Story 86

1. Who are the men in the picture, and why is one of them pointing to a bright star?

2. Why does King Herod get upset, and what does he do?

3. Where does the bright star lead the men, but why do they return to their own country by another road?

4. What command does Herod give, and why?

5. What does Jehovah tell Joseph to do?

6. Who caused the new star to shine, and why?

Additional question:

1. Read Matthew 2:1-23.

   How old was Jesus and where was he living when the astrologers visited him? (Matt. 2:1, 11, 16)

Story 87

1. How old is Jesus in the picture, and where is he?

2. What does Joseph do with his family every year?

3. After one day on the journey back home, why do Joseph and Mary return to Jerusalem?

4. Where do Joseph and Mary find Jesus, and why are the people there amazed?

5. What does Jesus say to his mother, Mary?

6. How can we be like Jesus in learning about God?

Additional questions:

1. Read Luke 2:41-52.

   1. Even though the Law required that only males attend the annual festivals, what fine example did Joseph and Mary provide for parents today? (Luke 2:41; Deut. 16:16; 31:12; Prov. 22:6)

   2. How did Jesus set a good example for young ones today to be in subjection to their parents? (Luke 2:51; Deut. 5:16; Prov. 23:22; Col. 3:20)

2. Read Matthew 13:53-56.

   What four natural brothers of Jesus are named in the Bible, and how were two of them later used in the Christian congregation? (Matt. 13:55; Acts 12:17; 15:6, 13; 21:18; Gal. 1:19; Jas. 1:1; Jude 1)

Story 88

1. Who are the two men in the picture?

2. How is a person baptized?

3. Whom does John normally baptize?

4. For what special reason does Jesus ask John to baptize him?

5. How does God show that He is pleased that Jesus got baptized?

6. What happens when Jesus goes away to a lonely place for 40 days?

7. Who are some of Jesus’ first followers, or disciples, and what is his first miracle?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 3:13-17.

   What pattern did Jesus set for the baptism of his disciples? (Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 28:19, 20; Luke 3:21, 22)

2. Read Matthew 4:1-11.

   How does Jesus’ skillful use of the Scriptures encourage us to study the Bible regularly? (Matt. 4:5-7; 2 Pet. 3:17, 18; 1 John 4:1)

3. Read John 1:29-51.

   To whom did John the Baptizer direct his disciples, and how can we imitate him today? (John 1:29, 35, 36; 3:30; Matt. 23:10)

4. Read John 2:1-12.

   How did Jesus’ first miracle show that Jehovah does not withhold anything good from His servants? (John 2:9, 10; Ps. 84:11; Jas. 1:17)

Story 89

1. Why are animals being sold at the temple?

2. What makes Jesus angry?

3. As you can see in the picture, what does Jesus do, and what command does he give the men who are selling doves?

4. When Jesus’ followers see what he is doing, of what are they reminded?

5. Which district does Jesus travel through on his way back to Galilee?

Additional question:

1. Read John 2:13-25.

   Considering Jesus’ outrage over money changers in the temple, what is the proper view of commercial activities in the Kingdom Hall? (John 2:15, 16; 1 Cor. 10:24, 31-33)

Story 90

1. Why has Jesus stopped by a well in Samaria, and what is he saying to a woman there?

2. Why is the woman surprised, what does Jesus say to her, and why?

3. What kind of water does the woman think Jesus is talking about, but what water does he actually mean?

4. Why is the woman amazed at what Jesus knows about her, and how did he get this information?

5. What lessons can we learn from the account of the woman at the well?

Additional questions:

1. Read John 4:5-43.

   1. Following Jesus’ example, what attitude should we display toward people of a different racial or social background? (John 4:9; 1 Cor. 9:22; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4; Titus 2:11)

   2. What spiritual benefits come to a person who becomes Jesus’ disciple? (John 4:14; Isa. 58:11; 2 Cor. 4:16)

   3. How can we show appreciation like that of the Samaritan woman, who was eager to share what she had learned? (John 4:7, 28; Matt. 6:33; Luke 10:40-42)

Story 91

1. In the picture, where is Jesus teaching, and who are those sitting closest to him?

2. What are the names of the 12 apostles?

3. What is the Kingdom that Jesus is preaching about?

4. What does Jesus teach the people to pray for?

5. What does Jesus say about how people should treat one another?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 5:1-12.

   In what ways can we show that we are conscious of our spiritual need? (Matt. 5:3; Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Tim. 4:13, 15, 16)

2. Read Matthew 5:21-26.

   How does Matthew 5:23, 24 emphasize that our relationship with our brothers affects our relationship with Jehovah? (Matt. 6:14, 15; Ps. 133:1; Col. 3:13; 1 John 4:20)

3. Read Matthew 6:1-8.

   What are some forms of self-righteousness that Christians are to shun? (Luke 18:11, 12; 1 Cor. 4:6, 7; 2 Cor. 9:7)

4. Read Matthew 6:25-34.

   What did Jesus teach regarding the need to trust in Jehovah for our material provisions? (Ex. 16:4; Ps. 37:25; Phil. 4:6)

5. Read Matthew 7:1-11.

   What does the vivid illustration found at Matthew 7:5 teach us? (Prov. 26:12; Rom. 2:1; 14:10; Jas. 4:11, 12)

Story 92

1. Who is the father of the girl in the picture, and why are he and his wife very worried?

2. What does Jairus do when he finds Jesus?

3. What happens as Jesus is going to Jairus’ home, and what message does Jairus receive on the way?

4. Why do the people in Jairus’ house laugh at Jesus?

5. After taking three apostles and the girl’s father and mother into the girl’s room, what does Jesus do?

6. Who else has Jesus raised from the dead, and what does this show?

Additional questions:

1. Read Luke 8:40-56.

   How did Jesus show compassion and reasonableness to the woman with the flow of blood, and what can Christian elders today learn from this? (Luke 8:43, 44, 47, 48; Lev. 15:25-27; Matt. 9:12, 13; Col. 3:12-14)

2. Read Luke 7:11-17.

   Why can those who have lost loved ones in death find great comfort in Jesus’ response to the widow from Nain? (Luke 7:13; 2 Cor. 1:3, 4; Heb. 4:15)

3. Read John 11:17-44.

   How did Jesus demonstrate that it is normal to grieve over the death of a loved one? (John 11:33-36, 38; 2 Sam. 18:33; 19:1-4)

Story 93

1. What terrible thing has happened to John the Baptizer, and how does it make Jesus feel?

2. How does Jesus feed the crowds who have followed him, and how much food is left over?

3. Why are the disciples afraid during the night, and what happens to Peter?

4. How does Jesus feed thousands of people a second time?

5. Why will it be wonderful when Jesus rules the earth as God’s King?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 14:1-32.

   1. The account at Matthew 14:23-32 provides what insight into Peter’s personality?

   2. How does the Scriptural record indicate that Peter matured and overcame his impulsive behavior? (Matt. 14:27-30; John 18:10; 21:7; Acts 2:14, 37-40; 1 Pet. 5:6, 10)

2. Read Matthew 15:29-38.

   How did Jesus show respect for the material provisions from his Father? (Matt. 15:37; John 6:12; Col. 3:15)

3. Read John 6:1-21.

   How can Christians today follow Jesus’ example with respect to the government? (John 6:15; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 12:2; 13:1-4)

Story 94

1. What are the apostles arguing about on their way back from a long trip?

2. Why does Jesus call a little child and stand it in the midst of the apostles?

3. In what way should the apostles learn to be like children?

4. A few months later, how does Jesus show that he loves children?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 18:1-4.

   Why did Jesus use illustrations to teach? (Matt. 13:34, 36; Mark 4:33, 34)

2. Read Matthew 19:13-15.

   What qualities of young children must we imitate if we are to share in Kingdom blessings? (Ps. 25:9; 138:6; 1 Cor. 14:20)

3. Read Mark 9:33-37.

   What did Jesus teach his disciples about wanting positions of prominence? (Mark 9:35; Matt. 20:25, 26; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 2:5-8)

4. Read Mark 10:13-16.

   How approachable was Jesus, and what can Christian elders learn from his example? (Mark. 6:30-34; Phil. 2:1-4; 1 Tim. 4:12)

Story 95

1. What question does a man ask Jesus, and why?

2. What does Jesus sometimes use to teach, and what have we already learned about Jews and Samaritans?

3. In the story Jesus tells, what happens to a Jew traveling on the road to Jericho?

4. What happens when a Jewish priest and a Levite come along the road?

5. In the picture, who is helping the Jew who is hurt?

6. After Jesus finishes the story, what question does he ask, and how does the man answer?

Additional questions:

1. Read Luke 10:25-37.

   1. Rather than give a direct answer, how did Jesus help a man versed in the Law to reason on a matter? (Luke 10:26; Matt. 16:13-16)

   2. How did Jesus use illustrations to overcome prejudice on the part of his hearers? (Luke 10:36, 37; 18:9-14; Titus 1:9)

Story 96

1. What does Jesus do as he travels throughout the land?

2. Some three years after Jesus was baptized, what does he tell his apostles?

3. Who are the people in the picture, and what does Jesus do for the woman?

4. Why does Jesus’ response to the objections of the religious leaders make them ashamed?

5. When Jesus and his apostles are near Jericho, what does Jesus do for two blind beggars?

6. Why does Jesus perform miracles?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 15:30, 31.

   What wonderful display of Jehovah’s power is revealed through Jesus, and how should it affect our understanding of what Jehovah has promised for the new world? (Ps. 37:29; Isa. 33:24)

2. Read Luke 13:10-17.

   How does the fact that Jesus performed some of his most outstanding miracles on the Sabbath show the kind of relief that he will bring to mankind during his Millennial Rule? (Luke 13:10-13; Ps. 46:9; Matt. 12:8; Col. 2:16, 17; Rev. 21:1-4)

3. Read Matthew 20:29-34.

   How does this account show that Jesus was never too busy to help people, and what can we learn from this? (Deut. 15:7; Jas. 2:15, 16; 1 John 3:17)

Story 97

1. When Jesus comes to a small village near Jerusalem, what does he tell his disciples to do?

2. In the picture, what happens when Jesus gets near the city of Jerusalem?

3. What do the young children do when they see Jesus healing people who are blind and crippled?

4. What does Jesus say to the angry priests?

5. How can we be like the children who praise Jesus?

6. What do the disciples want to know?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 21:1-17.

   1. How did Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as King contrast with conquering generals of Roman times? (Matt. 21:4, 5; Zech. 9:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 2:15)

   2. What lesson can young ones learn from the Israelite boys who quoted from Psalm 118 as Jesus entered the temple? (Matt. 21:9, 15; Ps. 118:25, 26; 2 Tim. 3:15; 2 Pet. 3:18)

2. Read John 12:12-16.

   What does the use of palm branches by the people who hailed Jesus symbolize? (John 12:13; Phil. 2:10; Rev. 7:9, 10)

Story 98

1. In the picture, which man is Jesus, and who are with him?

2. What did the priests try to do to Jesus in the temple, and what did he say to them?

3. What do the apostles ask Jesus?

4. Why does Jesus tell his apostles some of the things that will be happening on earth when he is ruling as King in heaven?

5. What does Jesus say will happen before he puts an end to all badness on earth?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 23:1-39.

   1. Although the Scriptures indicate that the use of secular titles may be appropriate, what do Jesus’ words at Matthew 23:8-11 show regarding the use of flattering titles in the Christian congregation? (Acts 26:25; Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14)

   2. What did the Pharisees use to try to prevent people from becoming Christians, and how have religious leaders employed similar tactics in modern times? (Matt. 23:13; Luke 11:52; John 9:22; 12:42; 1 Thess. 2:16)

2. Read Matthew 24:1-14.

   1. How is the importance of endurance emphasized at Matthew 24:13?

   2. What does the expression “the end” at Matthew 24:13 mean? (Matt. 16:27; Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10)

3. Read Mark 13:3-10.

   What expression at Mark 13:10 shows the urgency of preaching the good news, and how should Jesus’ words affect us? (Rom. 13:11, 12; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; 2 Tim. 4:2)

Story 99

1. As portrayed in the picture, why are Jesus and his 12 apostles in a large upstairs room?

2. Who is the man leaving, and what is he going to do?

3. What special meal does Jesus begin after the Passover meal is finished?

4. The Passover reminded the Israelites of what event, and of what does this special meal remind Jesus’ followers?

5. After the Lord’s Evening Meal, what does Jesus tell his followers, and what do they do?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 26:14-30.

   1. How does Matthew 26:15 show that Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was a deliberate act?

   2. What twofold purpose is served by Jesus’ shed blood? (Matt. 26:27, 28; Jer. 31:31-33; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:19, 20)

2. Read Luke 22:1-39.

   In what sense did Satan enter into Judas? (Luke 22:3; John 13:2; Acts 1:24, 25)

3. Read John 13:1-20.

   1. In view of the account at John 13:2, can Judas be blamed for what he did, and what lesson can God’s servants learn from this? (Gen. 4:7; 2 Cor. 2:11; Gal. 6:1; Jas. 1:13, 14)

   2. What powerful object lesson did Jesus provide? (John 13:15; Matt. 23:11; 1 Pet. 2:21)

4. Read John 17:1-26.

   In what sense did Jesus pray for his followers to “be one”? (John 17:11, 21-23; Rom. 13:8; 14:19; Col. 3:14)

Story 100

1. Where do Jesus and his apostles go after leaving the upstairs room, and what does he tell them to do?

2. What does Jesus find when he comes back to where the apostles are, and how many times does this happen?

3. Who enters the garden, and what does Judas Iscariot do, as the picture shows?

4. Why does Judas kiss Jesus, and what does Peter do?

5. What does Jesus say to Peter, but why does Jesus not ask God to send any angels?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 26:36-56.

   1. How is the way that Jesus counseled his disciples a fine example for Christian elders today? (Matt. 20:25-28; 26:40, 41; Gal. 5:17; Eph. 4:29, 31, 32)

   2. How did Jesus view the use of carnal weapons against one’s fellowman? (Matt. 26:52; Luke 6:27, 28; John 18:36)

2. Read Luke 22:39-53.

   When an angel appeared to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane to strengthen him, did this indicate that Jesus was wavering in his faith? Explain. (Luke 22:41-43; Isa. 49:8; Matt. 4:10, 11; Heb. 5:7)

3. Read John 18:1-12.

   How did Jesus protect his disciples from his opposers, and what can we learn from this example? (John 10:11, 12; 18:1, 6-9; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 2:25)

Story 101

1. Who is primarily responsible for Jesus’ death?

2. What do the apostles do when Jesus is taken by the religious leaders?

3. What happens at the house of Caiaphas, the high priest?

4. Why does Peter go away and weep?

5. After Jesus is returned to Pilate, what do the chief priests yell?

6. What happens to Jesus early Friday afternoon, and what promise does he make to an evildoer who hangs on a stake beside him?

7. Where will the Paradise that Jesus spoke of be located?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 26:57-75.

   In what way did the members of the Jewish high court show that their hearts were wicked? (Matt. 26:59, 67, 68)

2. Read Matthew 27:1-50.

   Why can we say that the remorse that Judas felt was not genuine? (Matt. 27:3, 4; Mark 3:29; 14:21; 2 Cor. 7:10, 11)

3. Read Luke 22:54-71.

   What lesson can we learn from Peter’s denial of Jesus on the night of his betrayal and arrest? (Luke 22:60-62; Matt. 26:31-35; 1 Cor. 10:12)

4. Read Luke 23:1-49.

   How did Jesus react to the injustice done to him, and what lesson can we learn from this? (Luke 23:33, 34; Rom. 12:17-19; 1 Pet. 2:23)

5. Read John 18:12-40.

   What is shown by the fact that although Peter was momentarily paralyzed by fear of man, he recovered to become an outstanding apostle? (John 18:25-27; 1 Cor. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:14, 15; 5:8, 9)

6. Read John 19:1-30.

   1. What balanced view of material things did Jesus have? (John 2:1, 2, 9, 10; 19:23, 24; Matt. 6:31, 32; 8:20)

   2. How were Jesus’ dying words a triumphant declaration that he had upheld Jehovah’s sovereignty? (John 16:33; 19:30; 2 Pet. 3:14; 1 John 5:4)

Story 102

1. Who is the woman in the picture, who are the two men, and where are they?

2. Why does Pilate tell the priests to send soldiers to guard Jesus’ tomb?

3. What does an angel do early on the third day after Jesus died, but what do the priests do?

4. Why are some women surprised when they visit Jesus’ tomb?

5. Why do Peter and John run to Jesus’ tomb, and what do they find?

6. What happened to Jesus’ body, but what does he do to show the disciples that he is alive?

Additional questions:

1. Read Matthew 27:62-66 and 28:1-15.

   At the time of Jesus’ resurrection, how did the chief priests, Pharisees, and older men sin against the holy spirit? (Matt. 12:24, 31, 32; 28:11-15)

2. Read Luke 24:1-12.

   How does the account of Jesus’ resurrection show that Jehovah views women as reliable witnesses? (Luke 24:4, 9, 10; Matt. 28:1-7)

3. Read John 20:1-12.

   How does John 20:8, 9 help us see the need to be patient if we do not fully understand the fulfillment of a Bible prophecy? (Prov. 4:18; Matt. 17:22, 23; Luke 24:5-8; John 16:12)

Story 103

1. What does Mary say to a man whom she thinks is the gardener, but what makes her realize that he is really Jesus?

2. What happens to two disciples who are walking to the village of Emmaus?

3. What amazing thing happens when two disciples tell the apostles that they saw Jesus?

4. How many times has Jesus appeared to his followers?

5. What does Thomas say when he hears that the disciples have seen the Lord, but what happens eight days later?

Additional questions:

1. Read John 20:11-29.

   Was Jesus saying at John 20:23 that humans are authorized to forgive sins? Explain. (Ps. 49:2, 7; Isa. 55:7; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; 1 John 2:1, 2)

2. Read Luke 24:13-43.

   How can we prepare our heart so that it is receptive to Bible truths? (Luke 24:32, 33; Ezra 7:10; Matt. 5:3; Acts 16:14; Heb. 5:11-14)

Story 104

1. How many disciples see Jesus on one occasion, and what does he talk to them about?

2. What is the Kingdom of God, and what will life on earth be like when Jesus rules as King for a thousand years?

3. For how many days has Jesus been appearing to his disciples, but what is it now time for him to do?

4. Just before leaving his disciples, what does Jesus tell them to do?

5. What is happening in the picture, and how does Jesus get hidden from sight?

Additional questions:

1. Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.

   Why could the apostle Paul speak so confidently regarding Jesus’ resurrection, and about what things can Christians today speak confidently? (1 Cor. 15:4, 7, 8; Isa. 2:2, 3; Matt. 24:14; 2 Tim. 3:1-5)

2. Read Acts 1:1-11.

   How widely did the preaching work spread, as foretold at Acts 1:8? (Acts 6:7; 9:31; 11:19-21; Col. 1:23)

Story 105

1. As the picture shows, what happens to Jesus’ followers who have been waiting in Jerusalem?

2. What surprise do visitors to Jerusalem receive?

3. What does Peter explain to the people?

4. How do the people feel after they listen to Peter, and what does he tell them to do?

5. How many people get baptized on that day of Pentecost, 33 C.E.?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 2:1-47.

   1. How did Peter’s words found at Acts 2:23, 36 show that the entire Jewish nation shared responsibility for Jesus’ death? (1 Thess. 2:14, 15)

   2. How did Peter set a good example of reasoning from the Scriptures? (Acts 2:16, 17, 29, 31, 36, 39; Col. 4:6)

   3. How did Peter use the first of “the keys of the kingdom of the heavens,” which Jesus had promised to give to him? (Acts 2:14, 22-24, 37, 38; Matt. 16:19)

Story 106

1. What happens to Peter and John one afternoon as they are going into the temple?

2. What does Peter say to a lame man, and what does Peter give him that is more valuable than money?

3. Why are the religious leaders angry, and what do they do to Peter and John?

4. What does Peter say to the religious leaders, and what warning do the apostles receive?

5. Why are the religious leaders jealous, but what happens when the apostles are put into prison the second time?

6. How do the apostles answer when they are brought into the Sanhedrin hall?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 3:1-10.

   Although we are not empowered to perform miracles today, how do Peter’s words recorded at Acts 3:6 help us to appreciate the value of the Kingdom message? (John 17:3; 2 Cor. 5:18-20; Phil. 3:8)

2. Read Acts 4:1-31.

   When we face opposition in the ministry, in what way should we imitate our first-century Christian brothers? (Acts 4:29, 31; Eph. 6:18-20; 1 Thess. 2:2)

3. Read Acts 5:17-42.

   How have some non-Witnesses, both past and present, shown reasonableness regarding the preaching work? (Acts 5:34-39)

Story 107

1. Who is Stephen, and what has God been helping him to do?

2. What does Stephen say that makes the religious leaders very angry?

3. When the men drag Stephen outside the city, what do they do to him?

4. In the picture, who is the young man standing beside the coats?

5. Before he dies, what does Stephen pray to Jehovah?

6. In imitation of Stephen, what should we do when someone does something bad to us?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 6:8-15.

   What deceptive practices have religious leaders used to try to stop the preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses? (Acts 6:9, 11, 13)

2. Read Acts 7:1-60.

   1. What helped Stephen to be effective in defending the good news before the Sanhedrin, and what can we learn from his example? (Acts 7:51-53; Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 1 Pet. 3:15)

   2. What attitude should we cultivate toward opposers of our work? (Acts 7:58-60; Matt. 5:44; Luke 23:33, 34)

Story 108

1. What does Saul do after Stephen is killed?

2. When Saul is on his way to Damascus, what amazing thing happens?

3. What does Jesus tell Saul to do?

4. What instructions does Jesus give to Ananias, and how is Saul able to see again?

5. By what name does Saul become known, and how is he used?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 8:1-4.

   How did the wave of persecution that struck the newly formed Christian congregation serve to spread the Christian faith, and what similar thing has occurred in modern times? (Acts 8:4; Isa. 54:17)

2. Read Acts 9:1-20.

   What threefold mission did Jesus reveal that he had in mind for Saul? (Acts 9:15; 13:5; 26:1; 27:24; Rom. 11:13)

3. Read Acts 22:6-16.

   How can we be like Ananias, and why is that important? (Acts 22:12; 1 Tim. 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 2:12)

4. Read Acts 26:8-20.

   How does Saul’s conversion to Christianity serve as an encouragement to those with unbelieving mates today? (Acts 26:11; 1 Tim. 1:14-16; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:1-3)

Story 109

1. Who is the man bowing down in the picture?

2. What does an angel say to Cornelius?

3. What does God make Peter see when he is on the roof of Simon’s house in Joppa?

4. Why does Peter tell Cornelius that he should not bow down and worship him?

5. Why are the Jewish disciples with Peter amazed?

6. What important lesson should we learn from Peter’s visit to Cornelius?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 10:1-48.

   What do Peter’s words found at Acts 10:42 show about the work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom? (Matt. 28:19; Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8)

2. Read Acts 11:1-18.

   What attitude did Peter display when Jehovah’s direction regarding Gentiles became obvious, and how can we imitate his example? (Acts 11:17, 18; 2 Cor. 10:5; Eph. 5:17)

Story 110

1. Who is the young man in the picture, where does he live, and what are the names of his mother and grandmother?

2. What does Timothy say when Paul asks him if he wants to join Silas and Paul in preaching to people far away?

3. Where is it that Jesus’ followers are first called Christians?

4. What are some of the cities that Paul, Silas, and Timothy visit once they leave Lystra?

5. How does Timothy help Paul, and what question should young ones today ask themselves?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 9:19-30.

   How did the apostle Paul show discretion when he faced opposition to the good news? (Acts 9:22-25, 29, 30; Matt. 10:16)

2. Read Acts 11:19-26.

   How does the account recorded at Acts 11:19-21, 26 show that Jehovah’s spirit is guiding and directing the preaching work?

3. Read Acts 13:13-16, 42-52.

   How does Acts 13:51, 52 show that the disciples did not allow opposition to discourage them? (Matt. 10:14; Acts 18:6; 1 Pet. 4:14)

4. Read Acts 14:1-6, 19-28.

   How does the expression “they committed them to Jehovah” help to relieve us of any undue anxiety as we assist new ones? (Acts 14:21-23; 20:32; John 6:44)

5. Read Acts 16:1-5.

   How does Timothy’s willingness to submit to circumcision emphasize the importance of doing “all things for the sake of the good news”? (Acts 16:3; 1 Cor. 9:23; 1 Thess. 2:8)

6. Read Acts 18:1-11, 18-22.

   What does Acts 18:9, 10 indicate regarding Jesus’ personal involvement in directing the preaching work, and what confidence does that give us today? (Matt. 28:20)

Story 111

1. In the picture, who is the boy lying on the ground, and what happened to him?

2. What does Paul do when he sees that the boy is dead?

3. Where are Paul, Timothy, and those traveling with them going, and what happens when they stop at Miletus?

4. What warning does the prophet Agabus give Paul, and how does it happen just as the prophet says?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 20:7-38.

   1. How can we remain “clean from the blood of all men,” according to Paul’s words recorded at Acts 20:26, 27? (Ezek. 33:8; Acts 18:6, 7)

   2. Why should elders be “holding firmly to the faithful word” when teaching? (Acts 20:17, 29, 30; Titus 1:7-9; 2 Tim. 1:13)

2. Read Acts 26:24-32.

   How did Paul use his Roman citizenship in fulfilling the preaching commission he had received from Jesus? (Acts 9:15; 16:37, 38; 25:11, 12; 26:32; Luke 21:12, 13)

Story 112

1. What happens to the boat Paul is on as it passes near the island of Crete?

2. What does Paul say to those on the boat?

3. How does the boat get broken into pieces?

4. What instructions does the army officer in charge give, and how many people get to the shore safely?

5. What is the name of the island they land on, and what happens to Paul when the weather gets better?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 27:1-44.

   How is our confidence in the accuracy of the Bible record strengthened when we read the account of Paul’s voyage to Rome? (Acts 27:16-19, 27-32; Luke 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17)

2. Read Acts 28:1-14.

   If the pagan inhabitants of Malta were moved to treat the apostle Paul and his shipwreck companions with “extraordinary human kindness,” Christians should be moved to show what and especially in what way? (Acts 28:1, 2; Heb. 13:1, 2; 1 Pet. 4:9)

Story 113

1. Who does Paul preach to while he is a prisoner in Rome?

2. In the picture, who is the visitor at the table, and what is he doing for Paul?

3. Who is Epaphroditus, and what does he take with him when he returns to Philippi?

4. Why does Paul write a letter to his close friend Philemon?

5. What does Paul do when he is set free, and what happens to him later?

6. Whom does Jehovah use to write the last books of the Bible, and what does the book of Revelation tell about?

Additional questions:

1. Read Acts 28:16-31 and Philippians 1:13.

   How did Paul use his time while imprisoned in Rome, and what effect did his unwavering faith have on the Christian congregation? (Acts 28:23, 30; Phil. 1:14)

2. Read Philippians 2:19-30.

   What expressions of appreciation did Paul make regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus, and how can we imitate Paul’s example? (Phil. 2:20, 22, 25, 29, 30; 1 Cor. 16:18; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13)

3. Read Philemon 1-25.

   1. On what basis did Paul urge Philemon to do what was proper, and how does this serve as a guide for elders today? (Philem. 9; 2 Cor. 8:8; Gal. 5:13)

   2. How does Paul’s expression found at Philemon 13, 14 show that he respected the conscience of others in the congregation? (1 Cor. 8:7, 13; 10:31-33)

4. Read 2 Timothy 4:7-9.

   Like the apostle Paul, how can we have confidence that Jehovah will reward us if we remain faithful to the end? (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 6:10)

Story 114

1. Why does the Bible speak of horses in heaven?

2. What is the name of God’s war with bad people on the earth, and what is the purpose of this war?

3. From the picture, who is the One who will take the lead in the fighting, why does he wear a crown, and what does his sword mean?

4. Looking back at Stories 10, 15, and 33, why should we not be surprised that God will destroy bad people?

5. How do Stories 36 and 76 show us that God will destroy bad people even if they claim to worship him?

Additional questions:

1. Read Revelation 19:11-16.

   1. How do the Scriptures make clear that Jesus Christ is the rider on the white horse? (Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11; Isa. 11:4)

   2. How does the blood sprinkled on Jesus’ outer garment confirm that his victory is decisive and complete? (Rev. 14:18-20; 19:13)

   3. Who are likely included in the armies that follow Jesus on his white horse? (Rev. 12:7; 19:14; Matt. 25:31, 32)

Story 115

1. What conditions does the Bible indicate we will enjoy in the earthly Paradise?

2. What is the Bible’s promise for those who live in Paradise?

3. When will Jesus see to it that this wonderful change takes place?

4. When Jesus was on earth, what did he do to show what he would do as King of God’s Kingdom?

5. What will Jesus and his heavenly corulers make sure of when they rule over the earth from heaven?

Additional questions:

1. Read Revelation 5:9, 10.

   Why can we have confidence that those ruling over the earth during the Millennial Reign will be sympathetic and merciful kings and priests? (Eph. 4:20-24; 1 Pet. 1:7; 3:8; 5:6-10)

2. Read Revelation 14:1-3.

   What is signified by the fact that the name of the Father and the name of the Lamb are written on the foreheads of the 144,000? (1 Cor. 3:23; 2 Tim. 2:19; Rev. 3:12)

Story 116

1. What do we need to know if we are to live forever?

2. How can we learn about Jehovah God and Jesus, as shown by the little girl and her friends in the picture?

3. What other book do you see in the picture, and why should we read it often?

4. Besides learning about Jehovah and Jesus, what else is needed to gain everlasting life?

5. What lesson do we learn from Story 69?

6. What does the good example of little Samuel in Story 55 show?

7. How can we follow the example of Jesus Christ, and if we do, what will we be able to do in the future?

Additional questions:

1. Read John 17:3.

   How do the Scriptures show that taking in knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ means more than merely memorizing facts? (Matt. 7:21; Jas. 2:18-20; 1 John 2:17)

2. Read Psalm 145:1-21.

   1. What are some of the many reasons we have for praising Jehovah? (Ps. 145:8-11; Rev. 4:11)

   2. How is Jehovah “good to all,” and how should this draw us ever closer to him? (Ps. 145:9; Matt. 5:43-45)

   3. If Jehovah is dear to our heart, what will we be moved to do? (Ps. 119:171, 172, 175; 145:11, 12, 21)