15-17. Relate an example of how Jesus used a “how much more so” line of reasoning to teach heartwarming truths about his Father.

¹⁵ Jesus also used logical, persuasive reasoning to teach positive, heartwarming truths about his Father. He often did so by employing a “how much more so” line of reasoning​—helping his listeners to advance from a familiar truth to an even stronger conviction.e Based on contrast, this type of reasoning can make a deep impression. Let us examine just two examples.

¹⁶ When responding to his disciples’ request to teach them how to pray, Jesus described the willingness of imperfect human parents “to give good gifts” to their children. He then concluded: “If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” (Luke 11:1-13) The point Jesus made is based on contrast. If sinful human parents care for the needs of their children, how much more will our heavenly Father, who is perfect and righteous in every way, grant holy spirit to his loyal worshippers who humbly approach him in prayer!

¹⁷ Jesus used similar reasoning when offering wise counsel on dealing with anxiety. He said: “The ravens . . . neither sow seed nor reap; they have neither barn nor storehouse; yet God feeds them. Are you not worth much more than birds? Consider how the lilies grow: They neither toil nor spin . . . Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation in the field that today exists and tomorrow is cast into an oven, how much more will he clothe you, you with little faith!” (Luke 12:24, 27, 28) If Jehovah cares for birds and flowers, how much more will he care for humans who love and worship him! With such reasoning, Jesus no doubt touched the hearts of his listeners.

20, 21. (a) How can we use a “how much more so” line of reasoning to highlight Jehovah’s qualities and ways? (b) What will we discuss in the next chapter?

²⁰ In our teaching, whether in the field ministry or in the congregation, we can also use the “how much more so” line of reasoning to highlight Jehovah’s qualities and ways. For example, to show that the doctrine of eternal torment in hellfire actually dishonors Jehovah, we might say: “What loving father would punish his child by holding his child’s hand in a fire? How much more must the very idea of hellfire be repugnant to our loving heavenly Father!” (Jeremiah 7:31) To assure a depressed fellow believer of Jehovah’s love for him, we could say: “If Jehovah considers even a tiny sparrow to be of value, how much more must he care about and love each of his earthly worshippers, including you!” (Matthew 10:29-31) Such reasoning can help us to reach the hearts of others.