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Questions From ReadersThe Watchtower—1977 | November 15
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The individual who is responsible for the animal, who is exercising dominion over it, is the person to determine if and how it is best to terminate its life.
● Why did Jesus say, in John 16:5: “Not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’” when Peter and Thomas had just done so?
The comments in mind had all occurred on the last night that Jesus was with his disciples. During the evening Peter asked: “Lord, where are you going?” (John 13:36) A little later Thomas said: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How do we know the way?” (John 14:5) So it might seem a bit contradictory to read, in John 16:5, Jesus’ statement: “Not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’”
It appears, however, that Jesus had a particular point in mind. The context of Peter’s question suggests that Peter was manifesting considerable self-concern in what he asked Jesus, and Thomas’ remark may have reflected his uncertainty about the disciples having adequate guidance. After their questions, however, the account goes on to include Jesus’ warning words about coming persecution. As John 16:6 reveals, those remarks evidently troubled the disciples and caused them to be absorbed with their own grief over that persecution and their losing Jesus. So when Jesus said: “Not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’” he was evidently not referring back to Peter’s comment or Thomas’ remark. Speaking in the present tense (“asks me”), he was referring to their reaction at that particular point in his discussion and the things he was then considering. Jesus’ words thus would focus attention on the fact that the disciples, absorbed with their own grief, were not inquiring further of Jesus to find out about the glory to which he was going, what it would mean for true worshipers and how it fitted into the outworking of God’s purpose.
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Does Life Have Real Meaning?The Watchtower—1977 | November 15
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Does Life Have Real Meaning?
Compared to the ageless universe around us, a human lifetime is like the mere tick of a clock. Surely there is something better in store for mankind, something that can give true meaning to our lives. If so, what is it?
You will find heartwarming answers in the new book Life Does Have a Purpose. Only 25 cents (U.S.), postpaid.
Please send the book Life Does Have a Purpose. I enclose 25c (U.S.).
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