have a verse inserted in Mark 15 directly linking these evildoers with the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12; but older and more reliable Bible manuscripts omit Mark 15:28.

After Jesus provided the explanation of why the disciples could expect problems ahead, Jesus’ followers commented: “Lord, look! here are two swords.” Not that Jesus’ followers customarily carried swords, but on this occasion they were provided. In mentioning a sword to them, Jesus was not recommending that they arm themselves for attack. Quite the opposite! His next words showed he had something else in mind and that he was using the swords to teach his followers an important lesson.

Shortly he was going to be arrested by an armed band, including Roman soldiers; and the circumstances could provoke armed resistance. (Matt. 26:47; John 18:12) In order to accomplish what was prophesied, however, Jesus chose not to resort to armed resistance but voluntarily allowed himself to be seized. The two swords would not be enough to defend the group victoriously against the mob, but they would be enough for the purpose of teaching a lesson, to emphasize that Jesus was submitting of his own will, freely, and not violently resisting, as his group was equipped to do. (John 18:11, 36) When Peter impetuously drew his sword and cut off the ear of the slave Malchus, Jesus reprimanded him. He said that “those who take the sword will perish by the sword”; besides, if he wanted to he could have called on the angels for help. (Matt. 26:52, 53) But that was not what he wanted. As shown by his not engaging the two swords for defense, Jesus was willingly giving himself to die on the stake between two “lawless ones.” As for Jesus’ faithful followers, they had learned their lesson well, so that Justin Martyr wrote in his Dialogue with Trypho, a Jew (155-160 C.E.): “We who were filled with war, and mutual slaughter, and every wickedness, have each through the whole earth changed our warlike weapons,​—our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage.”

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FIELD MINISTRY

Over nineteen hundred years ago Jesus Christ said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matt. 4:4) These words are as applicable today as when they were first spoken. Jehovah’s Christian witnesses know this and so they realize that, to be spiritually nourished, it is important not to neglect the house of the true God. Regularly each week their meetings build them up spiritually and equip them to witness to others about God. During July, as they apply this training, they will be sharing with others one of the fine Bible-study aids that they use in their own congregation meetings. They will offer to all persons the book Life Everlasting​—in Freedom of the Sons of God, with a booklet, for only 50c.

TO KEEP YOU INFORMED

No generation in history has been as well informed as ours. The mass media of radio, television and the printed page, as well as specialized schools and employment training programs, are better equipping men for life and better acquainting them with the rapidly changing pattern of events that characterizes this generation. Yet where in all this vast area of education can we learn the outcome of this world’s affairs? Only in the Bible is such education to be found, and Awake! regularly transmits this instruction for life by keeping you informed on those issues that are helping to shape the destiny of this world. Read Awake! regularly. One year for only $1.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

August 6: Festivals of Praise to Jehovah, 1-18. Page 425. Songs to Be Used: 28, 118.

August 13: Festivals of Praise to Jehovah, 19-27, and The Three Annual National Conventions, ¶1-9. Page 431. Songs to Be Used: 7, 47.

August 20: The Three Annual National Conventions, ¶10-30. Page 438. Songs to Be Used: 9, 110.