17. In what ways has Jehovah stood beside Jesus all through his ministry?

¹⁷ Jesus’ courage is rooted in his complete confidence in Jehovah. His comportment shows him to be in full harmony with the words of Isaiah: “The One declaring me righteous is near. Who can contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my judicial antagonist? Let him approach me.

Isaiah 50:8,

On the day of Jesus’ baptism, Jehovah declares him righteous as a spiritual son of God. In fact, God’s own voice is heard on that occasion, saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.” (Matthew 3:17) Near the end of his earthly life, as Jesus kneels in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, ‘an angel from heaven appears to him and strengthens him.’ (Luke 22:41-43) So Jesus knows that his Father approves of his life course. This perfect Son of God has committed no sin. (1 Peter 2:22) His enemies falsely accuse him of being a Sabbath breaker, a drunkard, and a demonized person, but Jesus is not dishonored by their lies. God is with him, so who can be against him?​—Luke 7:34; John 5:18; 7:20; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 12:3.

18, 19. What experiences similar to those of Jesus have anointed Christians had?

¹⁸ Jesus warns his disciples: “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) Events soon prove this true. At Pentecost 33 C.E., holy spirit comes upon Jesus’ faithful disciples, and the Christian congregation is born. Almost immediately religious leaders try to suppress the preaching work of these faithful men and women who are now associated with Jesus as part of “Abraham’s seed” and adopted as spiritual sons of God. (Galatians 3:26, 29; 4:5, 6) From the first century until now, anointed Christians, while taking a firm stand for righteousness, have had to contend with lying propaganda and bitter persecution from Jesus’ enemies.

¹⁹ Still, they remember Jesus’ encouraging words: “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens.” (Matthew 5:11, 12) Hence, even under the most bitter of attacks, anointed Christians hold their heads high. Whatever their opponents might say, they know that they have been declared righteous by God. In his sight they are “unblemished and open to no accusation.”​—Colossians 1:21, 22.

20. (a) Who support anointed Christians, and what have they experienced? (b) How do anointed Christians and “other sheep” come to have the tongue of the taught ones?

²⁰ In modern times anointed Christians are supported by “a great crowd” of “other sheep.” These too take a stand for righteousness. Consequently, they have suffered along with their anointed brothers and have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Jehovah has declared them righteous with a view to survival of “the great tribulation.” (Revelation 7:9, 14, 15; John 10:16; James 2:23)