Friday, May 22
He led them in security, and they felt no fear.—Ps. 78:53.
When the Israelites left Egypt in 1513 B.C.E., they may have numbered more than three million. Spanning three or even four generations, there were children, elderly ones, and no doubt some who were infirm or disabled. To lead such a vast crowd out of Egypt certainly called for an understanding and thoughtful Leader. Jehovah, by means of Moses, proved to be such. As a result, the Israelites felt safe as they left the only home they had ever known. (Ps. 78:52) How did Jehovah make his people feel safe and secure? For one thing, he led them out of Egypt in well-organized “battle formation.” (Ex. 13:18) Such organization surely reassured the Israelites that their God was in control. Also, Jehovah made his presence visibly manifest by means of “a cloud by day and . . . the light of a fire” at night. (Ps. 78:14) In effect, Jehovah was saying: “Do not be afraid. I am with you to guide and protect you.” w18.09 26 ¶11-12
May 18-24
GENESIS 40-41
Song 8 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Jehovah Delivers Joseph”: (10 min.)
Ge 41:9-13—Joseph came to the attention of Pharaoh (w15 2/1 14 ¶4-5)
Ge 41:16, 29-32—Jehovah gave Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams (w15 2/1 14-15)
Ge 41:38-40—Joseph became the ruler second to Pharaoh in Egypt (w15 2/1 15 ¶3)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Ge 41:14—Why did Joseph shave before seeing Pharaoh? (w15 11/1 9 ¶1-3)
Ge 41:33—What can we discern from the way that Joseph spoke to Pharaoh? (w09 11/15 28 ¶14)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah God, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Ge 40:1-23 (th study 2)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
First Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video, and then ask the audience: What shows that the husband and wife prepared together for this return visit? How did the brother make the scripture application clear?
First Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Use the sample conversation. (th study 11)
First Return Visit: (5 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from our Teaching Toolbox. (th study 13)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Be Like Joseph—Endure Despite Unjust Treatment: (6 min.) Begin by playing the video Become Jehovah’s Friend—Endure Despite Unjust Treatment. Then invite children to the platform, and ask them: What unjust treatment did Caleb and Sophia experience? What do you think they learned from Joseph’s experience?
Local Needs: (9 min.)
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 115
Concluding Comments (3 min. or less)
Song 124 and Prayer