Hail Jehovah’s Firstborn!

¹ On Sunday, Nisan 9, 33 C.E., a great crowd with palm branches in their hands hailed Jehovah’s firstborn Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as “the One coming as the King in Jehovah’s name!” (Luke 19:38; Heb. 1:6) On Monday and Tuesday, Nisan 10 and 11, Jesus was intensely occupied with his public ministry, making those final days among the busiest of his earthly life.

² Today, an even greater crowd with figurative palm branches in hand cry out with a loud voice: “Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:9, 10) On March 26, we will meet to celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death. As that date approaches, can we intensify our efforts in the ministry and thus add to this global shout of praise?

³ Increase Field Activity: Many publishers have already enrolled as auxiliary pioneers during March. Would you like to join them? If so, turn in your application without delay. One of the elders will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the work.

⁴ Whether you can serve as an auxiliary pioneer or not, you will want to have a full share in the ministry during March. The congregation may be able to arrange for group witnessing every day during the month. Sufficient territory should be set aside for that purpose.

⁵ All congregations should arrange for a special meeting for field service for Saturday, March 26. Although there is much to do in preparation for the Memorial, it is recommended that everyone who is able to do so engage in the field ministry on Saturday morning. In addition to working from house to house, be sure that those you have invited to attend the Memorial have transportation and that they have the time and place of the meeting clearly in mind.

⁶ Invite and Encourage Others: Jesus commanded his followers: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor. 11:24) As Jesus’ anointed footstep followers obey that command, every servant of Jehovah is invited to attend and observe the Memorial celebration. Among others, you should invite Bible students, relatives, those with whom you have had Bible discussions, unbelieving mates, and business acquaintances. Make a list so that no one is overlooked.

⁷ There will be additional opportunities for encouraging interested people at the Memorial itself. Be sure to arrive early so that you can greet new ones who are attending for the first time. If several of your Bible students attend, it may be practical for another publisher to sit with some of them during the meeting. Invite newcomers to attend the congregation’s regular Public Meeting. The elder selected to present the public talk should be well prepared to deliver a stimulating discourse.

⁸ At the conclusion of the Memorial celebration, as we join our voices in singing song 105, “Hail Jehovah’s Firstborn!,” may we be able to look back with satisfaction on a zealous month of theocratic activity to Jehovah’s praise!

Fully Support Your Congregation’s Public Meeting Program

¹ Some years ago a young man found a handbill advertising the meetings of the local congregation. Since he was looking for the truth, he decided to attend the Public Meeting that very Sunday, arriving at the hall well in advance. A publisher warmly greeted him and, during the course of the conversation, offered him a Bible study, which he declined. However, he was so impressed by the well-prepared public talk that he changed his mind, and after the meeting he accepted the study. This young man made rapid progress and was baptized several months later. We can learn at least three helpful lessons from this experience.

² First, the Public Meeting had been advertised. Do you use printed handbills to advertise your congregation’s meeting program? As the chairman announces the title of the public talk to be delivered the following week, think of those in your territory who may be especially interested in the subject, whether they are currently reading our literature or not. Some people do not like to read, or they read with great difficulty, but they may be willing to listen to a talk on a Scriptural topic.

³ Second, the newcomer was given a warm welcome. If you plan to arrive at the hall as early as possible, you can greet your brothers and sisters as well as any interested ones. (Heb. 10:24) If a newcomer is attending for the first time, he may not know what to expect. Explain that our meetings begin with song and prayer, and tell him how the meeting will be conducted. If appropriate, invite him to sit with you so that you can share your Bible and songbook with him. Invite him to discuss with you any questions he may have once the meeting has been concluded.

⁴ Third, the talk was well prepared. Those who are privileged to represent the congregation as public speakers spend many hours preparing and rehearsing the material in order to incite the audience to greater love and fine works. All of us are under pressure today, and the refreshing truths from God’s Word are just what we need to help us endure. Of course, no matter how informative the public talk may be, it will be of little value to us personally unless we pay close attention to what is said. Do you occasionally have difficulty concentrating during the talk? It may be helpful to make brief notes, just as we often do during our conventions. Be sure to follow along in your Bible as each Scripture text is read and explained.

⁵ The Society has provided public talks on a wide variety of Scriptural subjects. Working through the presiding overseer or a brother designated by him, the body of elders coordinates the congregation’s Public Meeting program. Subjects outlined by the Society are selected to address current local needs. Do not miss any of this vital information, and fully support your congregation’s weekly Public Meeting.