Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-05-09 WT Study (January 15, 2009, pages 25-29)(PIERCED)Review comments will be in red
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JEHOVAH'S SERVANT -"PIERCED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSION"
"He was being pierced for our transgression; he was being crushed for our errors ....Because of his wounds there has been a healing for us. 1 Isa. 53:5.
OPENING COMMENTS
Here is the final WT study article to prime the pump for the Memorial on Thursday, April 9. Note how the non-anointed jws are neither sons of God nor Christ's brothers.
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What should we keep in mind when we observe the Memorial, and what prophecy will help us to do so?
WE OBSERVE the Memorial to commemorate Christ's death and to remember all that his death and resurrection have accomplished. The Memorial reminds us of the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty, the sanctification of his name, and the fulfillment of his purpose, including the salvation of mankind. Perhaps no other prophecy in the Bible better depicts Christ's sacrifice and what it has accomplished than the one recorded at Isaiah 53:3-12. Isaiah foretold the Servant's sufferings and provided specific details about Christ's death and about the blessings his death would result in for his anointed brothers and his "other sheep."--John 10:16.
For years the WTS (Rutherford) preached the vindication of God's name...because of his change to the name of Jehovah's Witnesses instead of Bible Students and the exodus of 3/4 of the Bible Students during that period.
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*** w84 10/1 pp. 11-12 par. 11 Why We Must Be No Part of This World ***
Indeed, those unrepentantly practicing “the works of the flesh” are part of this world and will have no share in the promised Kingdom that will vindicate Jehovah’s name and transform the earth into a paradise.
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*** w56 3/1 p. 145 par. 3 Keeping Up with the Truth ***
In Enoch’s time, about 4,994 years ago, the true religion included God’s Edenic heart-stirring promise to send a mighty Seed, a deliverer, who would vindicate Jehovah’s name against Satan by establishing a righteous New World system without end.
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*** w95 5/15 p. 25 par. 17 Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small ***
Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah’s name. But had Satan called Jehovah’s name into question? For that matter, had any of Satan’s agents done so, as if Jehovah did not have a right to that name? No, not at all. It was not the name of Jehovah that was challenged and that needed to be vindicated. That is why the Watch Tower Society’s recent publications do not speak of Jehovah’s name as
being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah’s sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified. This is in keeping with what Jesus told us to pray: “Let your name be sanctified.”
"his anointed brothers and his "other sheep""--which effectively leaves non-anointed jws not being Jesus' brothers but his children instead.
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*** w59 10/1 p. 583 Have You Been Baptized for Life? ***
What about Noah’s sons and daughters-in-law? These picture, quite fittingly, the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” who as children of Jesus Christ, the “Father for eternity,” will live in the earthly Paradise.
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*** w95 10/15 p. 26 par. 15 What Future for the Sheep and the Goats? ***
How have Christ’s brothers and the millions of other sheep united with them as one flock been treated?
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*** w74 5/1 p. 288 Questions From Readers ***
Not being Christ’s brothers, the “other sheep” are evidently in line for the blessings of an earth free from sorrow and death.
Q 2. Of what is Isaiah's prophecy a proof, and what effect will it have on us?
2 Seven centuries before Jesus' birth on earth, Jehovah inspired Isaiah to prophesy that His chosen Servant would be faithful even when tested to the limit. This very fact is proof of Jehovah' s absolute confidence in his Son's loyalty. As we examine this prophecy, our hearts will be warmed and our faith will be strengthened.
absolute confidence--are we discussing predestination?
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*** w53 6/1 pp. 337-338 par. 6 Predestination and Jehovah’s Foreknowledge ***
In trying to prove their point that individuals generally are predestinated, devotees of that doctrine will cite as cases in proof such individuals as Samson, Jeremiah, Cyrus, Esau and Jacob, John the Baptist, Judas, and also Jesus. It is true that before their birth Jehovah foreknew that Samson would begin to deliver Israel, that Jeremiah would be a prophet to the nations, and that John the Baptist would perform a work like Elijah’s in preparing the people for Messiah’s coming. (Judg. 13:3-5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:13-17) However, these cases do not match the doctrine of predestination. That doctrine requires that the final destiny of individuals be inflexibly ordained from before the time of Adam and Eve; but there is no evidence of that in these cases. There is nothing to indicate that God’s foreknowledge as to these specific individuals existed much before the time of conception. Moreover, that foreknowledge seemed to concern their activities rather than final destinies; whereas predestination concerns final destinies, and that “without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature”. The divine foreknowledge shown in these cases is something quite different from predestination.
"Despised" and Held "as of No Account"
Q 3. Why should the Jews have welcomed Jesus, but how did they receive him?
3. Read Isaiah 53:3. Just imagine what it must have meant for the only-begotten Son of God to forgo the joy of serving at his Father's side and come to earth to give his life in sacrifice to save mankind from sin and death! (Phil. 2:5-8) His sacrifice was to ac-complish real forgiveness of sins, which the offering of animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law only foreshadowed. (Heb. 10:1-4) Should he not have been welcomed and
honored, at least by the Jews, who were awaiting the promised Messiah? (John 6:14) Instead, the Christ was ((despised" by the Jews, and they ((held him as of no account," as Isaiah had prophesied. The apostle John wrote: ((He came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in." (John 1: 11) The apostle Peter told the Jews: “The God of our forefathers ... has glorified his Servant, Jesus, whom you, for your part, delivered
up and disowned before Pilate's face, when he had decided to release him. Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous one." --Acts 3: 13,14.
So Jesus had such a "high" position that coming to earth was such an ordeal; where was that love Jesus had especially for humans?
Q. 4 How did Jesus become acquainted with sickness?
4 Isaiah also prophesied that Jesus was meant to have “acquaintance with sickness." During his ministry, Jesus certainly got tired on occasion, but there is no indication that he got sick. (John 4:6) He did, however, become acquainted with the sicknesses of those to whom he preached. He felt pity for them and healed many. (Mark 1:32-34) Jesus thus fulfilled the prophecy that states: "Truly our sicknesses were what he himself carried; and as for our pains, he bore them.”--Isa. 53:4a; Matt.8:16.17
sickness--how many elders in your congregation visit the sick or do they send the lowly women? Would they have touched a leper...visited
someone with AIDS?
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*** g94 3/22 p. 15 Helping Those With AIDS ***
What should a person who knows he or she has AIDS do when he or she wants to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and get baptized? Out of respect for the feelings of others, it may be wise for them to request a private baptism, although there is no evidence to suggest that AIDS has been transmitted in swimming pools. While many first-century Christians were baptized at large public gatherings, others were baptized in more private settings because of varying circumstances. (Acts 2:38-41; 8:34-38; 9:17, 18) Another alternative would be for the candidate with AIDS to be baptized last.
As if .. Stricken by God"
Q 5. How did many of the Jews view Jesus’ death, and why did this add to his suffering?
5. Read Isaiah 53:4b. Many of Jesus’ contemporaries did not understand the reason for his suffering and death. They believed that God was punishing him, as if plaguing him with a loathsome disease (Matt. 27:38-44) The Jews charged Jesus with blasphemy. (Mark 14: 61-64); John 10:33) Of course, Jesus was neither a sinner nor a blasphemer. But in view of his great love for his Father, the very idea that he was to die accused of blasphemy must have added to his suffering as Jehovah’s Servant. Nevertheless, he was willing to submit to Jehovah’s will.—Matt. 26:39
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*** w97 1/1 p. 27 Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked ***
For example, a man who lives a life of immoral debauchery and contracts AIDS may accept the truth and turn his life around to the point of dedication and baptism. Now he is a spiritually clean Christian having a relationship with God and a wonderful hope for the future; but he still has AIDS. He may eventuallydie of the disease, a sad but inescapable consequence of his former conduct.
willing to SUBMIT to God's or the FDS will?
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*** w07 4/1 p. 24 par. 12 Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave ***
Therefore, when we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its Governing Body, we are submitting to Christ, the slave’s Master.
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*** w98 9/1 p. 15 par. 7 Stay Close to the Theocracy ***
These make up the composite “faithful and discreet slave.” Christians show their submission to Jesus, and therefore to Jesus’ head, Jehovah, by accepting the oversight of that “slave.”
Q 6, 7. In what sense did Jehovah ‘crush’ his faithful Servant, and why did this bring God “delight”?
6. It is one thing for Isaiah’s prophecy to state that others would account Christ as ‘stricken by God’ but quite another for the prophecy to foretell: “Jehovah himself took delight in crushing him.” (Isa. 53:10) Since Jehovah had also stated: “Look! My servant….my chosen one, whom my soul has approved,’ how could Jehovah possibly take “delight in crushing him”? (Isa. 42:1) In what sense can it be said that this brought Jehovah joy?
7. To understand this part of the prophecy, we should remember that in challenging Jehovah's sovereignty, Satan cast doubt on the loyalty of all of God's servants in heaven and on earth. (Job 1:9-11; 2:3-5) Jesus, by remaining faithful to death, provided the perfect answer to Satan's challenge. Thus, while Jehovah permitted Christ to be killed by his enemies, there can be no doubt that Jehovah suffered when he saw his chosen Servant being put to death. However, observing his Son's absolute faithfulness brought Jehovah much delight. (Prov. 27:11) Furthermore, knowing the benefits that his Son's death would bring to repentant humans brought Jehovah great joy.--Luke 15:7.
so should the rank and file think that being persecuted is the only way to please God?
God's servants--only jws
ABSOLUTE faithfulness--predestination?
repentant humans--only jws?
"Pierced for Our Transgression"
Q 8, 9. (a) How was Jesus "pierced for our transgres¬sion"? (b) How did Peter confirm this?
8. Read Isaiah 53:6. Like lost sheep, sinful humans have wandered about, seeking deliverance from the sickness and death inherited from Adam. (1 Pet. 2:25) Being imperfect, not one of Adam's descendants could buy back what Adam had forfeited. (Ps. 49:7) In his great love, however, "Jehovah himself has caused the error of us all to meet up with that one," his dear Son and chosen Servant. By consenting to be "pierced for our transgression" and "crushed for our errors," Christ carried our sins upon the stake and died in our place.
Adam's descendants--not Eve's? If Eve had remained faithful and Adam only been the sinner, would their children have been perfect?
Adam forfeited--not Eve?
stake--not cross and no explanation (see picture)
9. The apostle Peter wrote: "To this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely. He himself bore our sins in his own body upon the stake, in order that we might be done with sins and live to righteousness." Then, quoting from Isaiah's prophecy, Peter added: "And 'by his stripes you were healed.'" (1 Pet. 2:21, 24; Isa. 53:5) This opened the way for sinners to become reconciled to God, as Peter further stated: "Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, that he might lead you to God."--1 Pet. 3:18.
model is Jesus--the best one, not OT examples the WTS seems to prefer.
reconciliation through Jesus alone or 144,000? Can anyone approach Christ without going through the WTS/FDS/GB?
"Brought Just Like a Lamb to the Slaughtering"
Q 10. (a) How did John the Baptizer describe Jesus? b) 'Why did John's words prove to be fitting?
10. Read Isaiah 53:7. 8. When John the Baptizer saw Jesus approaching, he exclaimed: "See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) In speaking of Jesus as a Lamb, John may have had in mind the words of Isaiah: "He was being brought just like a lamb to the slaughtering." (Isa. 53: 7, ftn.) "He poured out his soul to the very death," prophesied Isaiah. (Isa. 53:12) Interestingly, on the night when Jesus instituted the Memorial of his death, he gave a cup of wine to the 11 faithful apostles and stated: "This means my 'blood of the covenant,' which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins."--Matt. 26:28.
may have?
11 faithful apostles--was Judas gone?
If Judas was not worthy to be there, why are non-anointed jws present?
Q 11. 12, (a) What does Isaac's willingness to be offered up illustrate about Christ's sacrifice? (b) What should we keep in mind about the Greater Abraham, Jehovah, when we observe the Memorial?
11. Like Isaac of old, Jesus was willing to be offered up as a sacrifice on the altar of Jehovah's will for him. (Gen. 22:1, 2, 9-13; Heb. 10:5-10) While Isaac willingly consented to being sacrificed, it was Abraham who attempted to offer the sacrifice. (Heb. 11:17) Similarly, Jesus willingly accepted that he 'was to die, but it was Jehovah who was the Author of the ransom arrangement. The sacrifice of his Son was an expression of God's deep love for mankind.
WILLING--WILLINGLY--WILLINGLY
Jesus is described as only an instrument that God provided.
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*** w97 1/1 p. 22 par. 17 The Greater Glory of Jehovah’s House ***
Like an official seal ring on Jehovah’s right hand, Jesus is the one who has become “Yes” as Jehovah’s instrument in bringing to reality the many “promises of God.”
12. Jesus himself stated: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) The apostle Paul wrote: "God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:
made the sacrificial arrangement possible was the Greater Abraham, Jehovah. We observe the Memorial to his praise.
And now Jesus is moved to the back "never forget tht the one who made....possible was the Greater Abraham, Jehovah" as Jesus becomes only an instrument.
The Servant Brings "a Righteous Standing to Many"
Q 13, 14. How has Jehovah's Servant brought" a righteous standing to many"?
13. Read Isaiah 53: 11, 12. Of his chosen Servant, Jehovah stated: "The righteous one, my servant, will bring a righteous standing to many people." In what way? The end of verse 12 gives us a clue to the answer. "And for the transgressors he [the Servant] proceeded to interpose." All of Adam's descendants are born sinners, "transgressors," and therefore receive "the wages sin pays," namely, death. (Rom. 5:12; 6:23)
Reconciliation between Jehovah and sinful man is necessary. Chapter 53 of Isaiah's prophecy describes beautifully how Jesus 'interposed,' or interceded, on behalf of sinful mankind, stating: "The chastisement meant for our peace was upon him, and because of his wounds there has been a healing for us." -Isa.53:5.
Eve's descendants are born sinner?
sinful woman?
sinful humankind?
14. By taking our sins upon himself and dying for us, Christ brought "a righteous standing to many people." Paul wrote: "God saw good for all fullness to dwell in him [Christ], and through him to reconcile again to himself all other things by making peace through the blood he shed on the torture stake, no matter whether they are the things upon the earth or the things in the heavens." -Col. 1:19, 20.
[Christ]--deliberately done to sidetrack a possible trinitarian reference.
torture stake--no explanation
Q 15. a) Who are "the things in the heavens" mentioned by Paul? b) Who alone are entitled to partake of the memorial emblems, and why?
15. "The things in the heavens" that are reconciled to Jehovah by means of Christ's shed blood are the anointed Christians, called to reign with Christ in the heavens. Christians who are "partakers of the heavenly calling" are declared "righteous for life." (Heb. 3:1; Rom. 5:1. 18) Jehovah then begets them as spiritual sons. The holy spirit bears witness to them that they are "joint heirs with Christ." called to become kings and priests in his heavenly Kingdom. (Rom. 8:15-17; Rev. 5: 9, 10) They become part of spiritual Israel, "the Israel of God," and they are taken into the "new covenant." (Jer. 31:31-34; Gal. 6:16) As members of the new covenant, they are entitled to partake of the Memorial emblems, including the cup of red wine, of which Jesus stated: "This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf." --Luke 22:20.
declared righteous for life--sinless in name
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*** w96 7/1 p. 16 par. 12 Jehovah’s Great Spiritual Temple ***
In the case of Jesus Christ, the inner priestly courtyard pictured his sinless condition as a perfect human Son of God. Through exercising faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, anointed followers of Christ are credited with righteousness. Thus, God can justly deal with them as if they were sinless. (Romans 5:1; 8:1, 33) Hence, this courtyard also pictures the imputed righteous human condition that individual members of the holy priesthood enjoy before God.
new covenant--backbone of WTS explanation of why Jesus is only mediator for the anointed thus only ones entitled to partake--numbers growing each year to the consternation of the WTS
Q 16. What are "the things upon the earth," and in what way are they given a righteous standing before Jehovah?
16. "The things upon the earth" are Christ's other sheep who have the hope of living forever on earth. To these also Jehovah's chosen Servant brings a righteous standing before Jehovah. Because they have faith in Christ's ransom sacrifice and thus "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," Jehovah declares them righteous, not as spiritual sons, but as his friends, giving them the wonderful
prospect of surviving "the great tribulation." (Rev. 7:9, 10, 14; Jas. 2:23) Not being in the new covenant and therefore not having the hope of living in heaven, these other sheep do not partake of the Memorial emblems but attend as respectful observers.
Christ's other sheep though are
NOT brothers
NOT sons
CARROT: Living forever on earth
Takes other sheep 1,000 years to become righteous/perfect but the 144,000 are instantly perfect upon resurrection.
surviving great tribulation--only as a group not individually though the WTS gives that impression that individual survival is something to hope for.
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*** w99 2/1 p. 18 par. 17 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
As a group, they would “come out of the great tribulation” alive, to inherit the earthly Paradise where “death will be no more.”
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*** w92 5/1 p. 18 par. 18 Who Will Escape the “Time of Distress”? ***
That day is near! It is hurrying toward us. The gathering of individuals of the great crowd has been proceeding now for some 57 years. A number of these have died and await their resurrection. But we are assured by the Revelation prophecy that as a group the great crowd will come out of the great tribulation as the nucleus of “a new earth” society.
respectful observers--but not from 1935-1938
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*** w79 11/15 p. 27 par. 23 Benefiting from “One Mediator Between God and Men” ***
Today, according to authentic records, there is a “great crowd” of dedicated, baptized Christians who actively collaborate with the small remnant of spiritual Israelites. Ever since the spring of 1938 they have been invited to attend the annual memorial celebration of Christ’s death, not to partake of the memorial emblems, the unleavened bread and the red wine, but as respectful observers.
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*** jv chap. 16 p. 243 Meetings for Worship, Instruction, and Encouragement ***
For the first time, in its issue of February 15, 1938, The Watchtower specifically invited them to be present at the Memorial, saying: “After six p.m. on April 15 let each company of the anointed assemble and celebrate the Memorial, their companions the Jonadabs also being present.” They did attend, not as partakers, but as observers.
All Thanks to Jehovah and His Approved Servant!
Q 17. How has a study of the prophecies in Isaiah that center on the Servant helped us to prepare our minds for the Memorial?
17. The examination of the prophecies in Isaiah that center on the Servant has been a fine way to prepare our minds for the Memorial of Christ's death. It has enabled us to "look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith." (Heb. 12:2) We have learned that God's Son is not rebellious. Unlike Satan, he delights in being taught by Jehovah, recognizing him as the Sovereign Lord. We have seen that during Jesus' earthly
ministry, he showed compassion for the people to whom he preached, healing many of them both physically and spiritually. He thus demonstrated what he will do as Messianic King in the new system of things when "he sets justice in the earth." (Isa. 42:4) The zeal he showed in preaching the Kingdom, as "a light of the nations," is a reminder to his followers to preach the good news zealously throughout the earth.--Isa.42:6.
So where are the NT accounts to prepare the minds?
Not REBELLIOUS
delights in being taught by.........FDS
showed compassion--do jws help sick non-jws?
throughout--not individual witness though
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*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
Q 18. Why does Isaiah's prophecy fill our hearts with gratitude to Jehovah and to his faithful Servant?
18. Isaiah's prophecy also enhances our understanding of the great sacrifice Jehovah made when he sent his dear Son to earth to suffer and die for us. Jehovah delighted, not in seeing his Son suffer, but in observing Jesus' absolute faithfulness to the very death. We should share Jehovah's delight, recognizing all that Jesus did to prove Satan a liar and sanctify Jehovah's name, thus vindicating the rightfulness of His sovereignty. In addition, Christ took our sins upon himself and died in our behalf. In that way, he made it possible for the little flock of his anointed brothers and for the other sheep to have a righteous standing before Jehovah. As we gather together for the Memorial, may our hearts be filled with gratitude to Jehovah and to his faithful Servant.
ABSOLUTE faithfulness--predestination?
sanctify or vindicate God's name?
anointed BROTHERS and other sheep (not brothers)
By Way of Review
• In what sense did Jehovah 'take delight' in his Son's being 'crushed'?
• How Was Jesus "pierced for our transgression"?
• How did the Servant "bring a righteous standing to many"?
• How has a study of the prophecies regarding the Servant prepared your mind and heart for the Memorial?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
If you had been a jw before the days of "vindicating God's name" and you said that it should be "sanctifying God's name" would you have been an apostate?
Next week, "How Jesus' Sayings Promote Happiness." While Jesus is in the title, Jesus the person is absent. Are the other sheep considered "sons of God" by the WTS?
Love, Blondie