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Imitate Jesus’ Example of WatchfulnessThe Watchtower—2012 | February 15
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5, 6. (a) How does our knowledge of the future and of God’s purposes affect our need to be watchful? (b) Why should our knowledge about Satan make us more determined to be watchful?
5 On the other hand, Jesus did know many marvelous things about the future—truths that most people around him did not know at all. Our knowledge does not approach that of Jesus, but thanks to him, we do know a great deal about God’s Kingdom and what it will accomplish in the near future. As we look around us, whether at school, at work, or in the territory where we carry out our ministry, do we not observe that most people live in utter darkness regarding these glorious truths? So here we find another reason for watchfulness. Like Jesus, we always need to be alert, watching for opportunities to share what we know about God’s Kingdom. Each such opportunity is precious, and we do not want to squander any. Lives are at stake!—1 Tim. 4:16.
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Imitate Jesus’ Example of WatchfulnessThe Watchtower—2012 | February 15
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HOW TO BE WATCHFUL IN THE PREACHING WORK
10. What example shows us how Jesus kept alert to opportunities to give a witness?
10 Jesus was watchful in the work that Jehovah assigned him to do. There may be some jobs that allow for the worker’s mind to wander without serious consequences. Many jobs, though, call for keen focus and alertness, and the Christian ministry is certainly like that. Jesus was ever alert in his work, watching for opportunities to share the good news. For example, when he and his disciples arrived at the town of Sychar after a long morning of walking, the disciples went to purchase food. Jesus stayed near the town’s well to rest, but he kept alert, and he saw an opportunity to witness. A Samaritan woman approached to draw water. Jesus could have chosen to take a nap. He could have thought of reasons to avoid a conversation. However, he spoke up, involved the woman in conversation, and gave a powerful witness that affected many lives in that city. (John 4:4-26, 39-42) Can we more closely imitate Jesus’ watchful example, perhaps by striving to be increasingly alert to opportunities to share the good news with people we meet in our day-to-day life?
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