As Jesus neared thirty years of age and his knowledge of the prophecies increased he may have gradually received inklings that Messiahship was more than that, but it was probably not until his immersion and the holy spirit’s descent upon him that he appreciated that it was a heavenly kingdom he was to possess, and that he had previously existed as the Logos. The natural man Jesus did not discern these things of the spirit, but when the spirit came upon him the spirit revealed them to him. “The heavens were opened up” for him and heavenly things were discernible to him. (Matt. 3:16, 17, NW) John the Baptist apparently knew of Jesus’ prehuman existence, saying: “The one coming behind me has advanced in front of me, because he existed before me.” Since Jesus did not exist before John as a human creature, prehuman existence must have been here meant. But there is no indication that John said this before Jesus’ baptism; he probably said it afterward, possibly around the time when he said of the anointed Jesus, “That one must go on increasing, but I must go on decreasing,” since there is some similarity of thought between the two expressions.—John 1:15; 3:30, NW.

It was after Jesus’ anointing that he definitely knew of his prior existence as a spirit creature, and he testified to it. At John 8:58 (NW) he said: “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.” Just before his death Jesus said: “Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory which I had alongside you before the world was.” (John 17:5, NW) So because of spirit begettal Jesus knew of his former existence as a spirit creature, but his disciples were often puzzled by such references and did not comprehend such spiritual things until their minds were likewise illuminated by holy spirit, at Pentecost. Hence since it seems that such understanding came by holy spirit, Jesus did not know about his prehuman existence until his anointing at Jordan river, though he did understand during his childhood that he was to be the promised Messiah.

Announcements

TELL THE PEOPLE “UNTIL CITIES BE WASTE WITHOUT INHABITANT”

When the Almighty Creator, Jehovah, commissioned his servant Isaiah to “Go, and tell this people, . . . Until cities be waste without inhabitant”, Jehovah did not force Isaiah to obey. (Isa. 6:9, 11, AS) No, Isaiah volunteered gladly; obediently he responded and offered himself. Today, as in Israel, when a like condition exists in Christendom that calls’ for a similar message, there are persons who willingly follow Jehovah’s commands, and these give the warning message from God’s Word. Whatever may be the response, their kindly purpose is to announce the kingdom of salvation and to give advance warning of the evil to follow a rejection of that kingdom. Why not associate with an organization so engaged, abandon doomed Christendom and turn to Jehovah? In view of the divine command, there is no need to hesitate or wait. The time is limited. So take the wise and profitable course, engage in this telling work, with Jehovah’s witnesses and offer the Watchtower magazine on a subscription basis of $1 per year. Share in this world-wide work starting in the month of January. Then report your activity to the local company of Jehovah’s witnesses, or send it in to us.

1952 YEARBOOK AND CALENDAR

Now released are the 1952 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Calendar. Both serve a very practical and helpful purpose in the home of every sincere, God-loving family that wants to serve Him more acceptably. The Yearbook presents for consideration a Bible text, with appropriate explanatory comment that will supply food for thought, for every day in the year. Besides, the Yearbook gives extensive space to an absorbing report detailing the thrilling experiences of Jehovah’s witnesses in their teaching and preaching activities throughout the earth during the past year. The calendar keeps before the eye stimulating Bible texts and themes, in addition to a striking portrayal of the yeartext in beautiful colors. The contribution accepted for the Yearbook is 50c, and the calendars are 25c each, or five or more copies of the calendar to one address at the rate of 20c each. Send for your copies now and enjoy their use to the full.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of February 3: The Unity of God’s Visible Organization.

Week of February 10: Organizing for the Ministry.