Thursday, October 8
Mary Magdalene came and brought the news to the disciples: “I have seen the Lord!”—John 20:18.
Early on the morning of Nisan 16, a number of loyal women went to the place where Jesus had been lying lifeless. (Luke 24:1, 10) Let us focus on the experience of one of the women, Mary Magdalene. When Mary arrived at the tomb, she found it empty. She ran to tell Peter and John and then followed them as they raced to the tomb. After confirming that the tomb was empty, the men returned home. But not Mary. She stayed there, weeping. Little did she know that Jesus was watching. He observed this faithful woman’s tears and was deeply moved. So he appeared to Mary and then did something simple that greatly encouraged her. He spoke to her and gave her an important assignment—to share the news of his resurrection with his brothers.—John 20:17, 18. w24.10 13 ¶7
Friday, October 9
I will multiply my signs and my miracles in the land of Egypt.—Ex. 7:3.
Moses served as a prophet, a judge, a commander, and a historian. He led the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and personally witnessed many of Jehovah’s miracles. Jehovah used him to write the first five books of the Bible, Psalm 90, and possibly Psalm 91. He also likely wrote the book of Job. Shortly before he died, at the age of 120, Moses called together all the Israelites to remind them of the things they had seen and experienced. They had witnessed the many signs and miracles performed by Jehovah as well as His judgments against Egypt. (Ex. 7:4) They had walked through the parted waters of the Red Sea and had seen the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. (Ex. 14:29-31) In the wilderness, they had experienced Jehovah’s protection and care. (Deut. 8:3, 4) Now, poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses grasped this last opportunity to encourage the people. w24.11 8-9 ¶3-4
Saturday, October 10
If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever . . . The bread that I will give is my flesh in behalf of the life of the world.—John 6:51.
What Jesus said to his apostles during the Lord’s Evening Meal stands in contrast with what he said to the crowd in Galilee, where he was speaking in a way that was broader in scope. When Jesus was in Galilee in 32 C.E., he was mainly addressing Jews who wanted bread from him. However, he called their attention to something much more beneficial than literal food. He identified a provision by which they could gain everlasting life. And Jesus said that those who died could be resurrected on the last day and live forever. He was not referring to a chosen few, a limited number, as he did later during the Lord’s Evening Meal. Rather, in Galilee he focused on a blessing that would be available to all people. w24.12 11 ¶10-11