• Are You Heeding the Warnings?
    The Watchtower (Study)—2024 | September

    • WHO WILL BE “TAKEN ALONG”?

      15-16. How does Matthew 24:40, 41 highlight the need for anointed ones to be watchful?

      15 Before relating the three parables, Jesus described a final judgment of the anointed that would reveal who was approved. He spoke of two men working in a field and of two women working at a hand mill. In each case, the two appear to be doing the same work, but Jesus said that one would be “taken along and the other abandoned.” (Read Matthew 24:40, 41.) He then urged his followers: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matt. 24:42) Jesus said something similar after relating the parable of the virgins. (Matt. 25:13) Are these comments connected? It appears so. Only genuine, faithful anointed ones will be “taken along,” received by Jesus into the heavenly Kingdom.​—John 14:3.

      16 Prove yourself watchful. Any anointed ones who do not remain spiritually alert will not be gathered with the “chosen ones.” (Matt. 24:31) By extension, all of God’s people, regardless of their hope, should view Jesus’ words as a warning to keep on the watch and remain faithful.

      17. Why should we not be concerned about when Jehovah chooses to anoint some with his holy spirit?

      17 We have come to know Jehovah well, so we trust his judgment. We are not concerned if Jehovah has chosen to anoint some faithful ones in more recent years.c We recall what Jesus said about the 11th-hour workers in his illustration of the vineyard. (Matt. 20:1-16) Those who were invited to work in the vineyard later in the day received the same wage as those who began working in it earlier. Likewise, no matter when anointed ones are selected, they will receive the heavenly reward if they are judged faithful.