Song 14 and Prayer

Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

“The Kingdom of the Heavens Has Drawn Near”: (10 min.)

• [Play the video Introduction to Matthew.]

• Mt 3:1, 2​—John the Baptist proclaimed that the future Ruler of the heavenly Kingdom would soon appear (“preaching,” “Kingdom,” “Kingdom of the heavens,” “has drawn near” study notes on Mt 3:1, 2, nwtsty)

• Mt 3:4​—John the Baptist lived a simple life, completely devoted to doing God’s will (“John the Baptizer’s Clothing and Appearance,” “Locusts,” “Wild Honey” media on Mt 3:4, nwtsty)

Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

• Mt 1:3​—Why might five women have been included in Matthew’s otherwise all-male genealogy of Jesus? (“Tamar” study note on Mt 1:3, nwtsty)

• Mt 3:11​—How do we know that baptism involves complete immersion? (“baptize you” study note on Mt 3:11, nwtsty)

• What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

• What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 1:1-17

Initial Call Video: (4 min.) Play and discuss the video.

First Return Visit: (3 min. or less) See Sample Conversations.

Bible Study: (6 min. or less) bhs 41-42 ¶6-7

Song 72

Annual Service Report: (15 min.) Talk by an elder. After reading the letter from the branch office regarding the annual service report, interview publishers, selected in advance, who had outstanding experiences in the ministry during the past year.

Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 2

Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

Song 137 and Prayer