Jesus’ disciples needed encouragement. Why? Some had left homes, families, and businesses to follow Jesus full-time. (Matt. 19:27) Others were treated as social outcasts because they had become his disciples. (John 9:22) They made these sacrifices because they believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. (Matt. 16:16) But when Jesus was executed, their hopes were dashed and they became downhearted. No doubt Jesus saw his disciples’ grief, not as a sign of spiritual weakness, but as an understandable response to a terrible loss. So on the very day that he was resurrected, he began encouraging his friends. For instance, he appeared to Mary Magdalene while she wept at his tomb. (John 20:11, 16) He also appeared to the two disciples who had left for the village of Emmaus. And he appeared to the apostle Peter. w24.10 13 ¶5-6

Parents, prepare your child to defend his belief in a Creator. You might find it useful to review together articles on jw.org in the series “Young People Ask​—Creation or Evolution?” Then discuss the line of reasoning that your child feels is most persuasive for helping others understand the truth about the Creator. Encourage him to use simple logic and reasoning if some are open to a pleasant discussion. For example, a schoolmate might say: “I believe only what I can see, and I have never seen God.” A young Christian could respond: “Imagine that you are walking through a forest far from any human activity and you come upon a functioning well. What would you conclude? If the presence of a well gives clear evidence of intelligent life having made it, how much more so does the existence of the universe!” w24.12 18 ¶16

All of us need guidance in making life’s important decisions. We can obtain much of that guidance from elders and other mature Christians. If they are much older than we are, we should not automatically dismiss their advice as outdated. Jehovah wants us to learn from older ones. They have had more time than we have had to acquire experience, understanding, and wisdom. In Bible times, Jehovah used faithful older ones to encourage and guide his people. Consider, for example, Moses, David, and the apostle John. They lived at different times, and their circumstances differed greatly. As they neared the end of their life, they gave wise advice to younger ones. Each of these faithful older men emphasized the value of being obedient to God. Whether we are young or old, we can benefit by reviewing their counsel.​—Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16. w24.11 8 ¶1-2