Monday, March 18
These men act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar.—Acts 17:7.
The new congregation in Thessalonica faced severe opposition. A mob of vicious opposers dragged “some of the brothers to the city rulers.” (Acts 17:6) Can you imagine how shaken those newly converted Christians must have been? They could have slowed down in their service to Jehovah, but the apostle Paul did not want that to happen. He made sure that the fledgling congregation was well cared for. Paul reminded the Thessalonians: “We sent Timothy, our brother . . . , to make you firm and comfort you regarding your faith, so that no one might be shaken by these tribulations.” (1 Thess. 3:2, 3) Timothy had seen how Paul strengthened the brothers in Lystra. Having seen the outcome that Jehovah gave, Timothy could assure his new brothers and sisters that everything would turn out well for them too.—Acts 14:8, 19-22; Heb. 12:2. w22.08 21 ¶4
Tuesday, March 19
We . . . gain life through him.—1 John 4:9.
In the late 19th century, a group of Bible students led by Charles Taze Russell began an intensive study of the Scriptures. They wanted to know the truth about the value of Jesus’ sacrifice and how his death should be commemorated. Today we benefit from their research. How so? Our eyes have been opened to the truth about Jesus’ sacrifice and what it accomplishes. (1 John 2:1, 2) We have also learned that the Bible holds out two hopes for humans who please God—immortal life in heaven for some and everlasting life on earth for others. We draw closer to Jehovah as we consider how much he loves us and how much we personally benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice. (1 Pet. 3:18) So like our faithful brothers of the past, we invite others to join us in observing the Memorial according to the pattern Jesus set. w23.01 21 ¶6-7
Memorial Bible reading: (Events after sunset: Nisan 9) Mark 14:3-9
Wednesday, March 20
He died for all so that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.—2 Cor. 5:15.
Jesus taught people about the blessings that God’s Kingdom would bring. We are thankful for the ransom because it opens the way for us to enjoy a close friendship with Jehovah and Jesus. Those who exercise faith in Jesus also have the hope of living forever and of seeing their dead loved ones again. (John 5:28, 29; Rom. 6:23) We have not done anything to deserve these blessings; nor can we ever repay God and Christ for what they have done for us. (Rom. 5:8, 20, 21) But we can show them the depth of our gratitude. How? By using our resources to advance the Kingdom work. For example, we can make ourselves available to help with constructing and maintaining buildings for pure worship. w23.01 26 ¶3; 28 ¶5
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 9) Mark 11:1-11