Memorial Bible Reading Schedule 2024 and Invitation
Thursday, March 21 Sunrise
[Image:] Jesus identifying himself before a mob who have come to arrest him.
Matthew 21:12, 13, and 18, 19
[Click to read scripture]|[Matthew 21:12 and 13:] Jesus entered the temple and threw out all those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. And he said to them: “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a cave of robbers.”
[Matthew 21:18 and 19] While returning to the city early in the morning, he felt hungry. He caught sight of a fig tree by the road and went to it, but he found nothing on it except leaves, and he said to it: “Let no fruit come from you ever again.” And the fig tree withered instantly. [Click to close]
Mark 11:12 through 19
[Click to read scripture]|[Mark 11:12 through 19:] The next day when they were leaving Bethany, he felt hungry. From a distance he caught sight of a fig tree that had leaves, and he went to see whether he could find something on it. But on coming to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. So he said to it: “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And his disciples were listening. They now came to Jerusalem. There he entered the temple and started to throw out those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and he would not let anyone carry a utensil through the temple. He was teaching and saying to them: “Is it not written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a cave of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it, and they began to seek how to kill him; for they were in fear of him, because all the crowd was astounded at his teaching. When it became late in the day, they went out of the city. [Click to close]
Luke 19:45 through 48
[Click to read scripture]|[Luke 19:45 through 48:] Then he entered the temple and started to throw out those who were selling, saying to them: “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a cave of robbers.” He continued teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal ones of the people were seeking to kill him; but they did not find any way to do this, for the people one and all kept hanging on to him to hear him. [Click to close]
John 12:20 through 50
[Click to read scripture]|[John 12:20 through 50:] Now there were some Greeks among those who had come to worship at the festival. So these approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and they began to request him, saying: “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. But Jesus answered them: “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Most truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit. Whoever is fond of his life destroys it, but whoever hates his life in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life. If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am, there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him. Now I am troubled, and what should I say? Father, save me out of this hour. Nevertheless, this is why I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was standing there heard it and began to say that it had thundered. Others said: “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered: “This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes. Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all sorts of men to myself.” This he was really saying to indicate what sort of death he was about to die. Then the crowd answered him: “We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” So Jesus said to them: “The light will be among you a little while longer. Walk while you still have the light, so that darkness does not overpower you; whoever walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, so that you may become sons of light.” Jesus said these things and went off and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs before them, they were not putting faith in him, so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, who said: “Jehovah, who has put faith in the thing heard from us? And as for the arm of Jehovah, to whom has it been revealed?” The reason why they were not able to believe is that again Isaiah said: “He has blinded their eyes and has made their hearts hard, so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their hearts and turn around and I heal them.” Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory, and he spoke about him. All the same, many even of the rulers actually put faith in him, but they would not acknowledge him because of the Pharisees, so that they would not be expelled from the synagogue; for they loved the glory of men even more than the glory of God. However, Jesus called out and said: “Whoever puts faith in me puts faith not only in me but also in him who sent me; and whoever sees me sees also the One who sent me. I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone putting faith in me may not remain in the darkness. But if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken of my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment means everlasting life. So whatever I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.” [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 103
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 103. The Temple Cleansed Again]
Matthew 21:12 and 13, 18 and 19; Mark 11:12 through 18; Luke 19:45 through 48; John 12:20 through 27
Chapter Overview. Jesus curses a fig tree and cleanses the temple. To impart life to many, Jesus must die.
Jesus and his disciples have spent three nights in Bethany since they arrived from Jericho. Now, early in the morning on Monday, Nisan 10, they are heading to Jerusalem. Jesus is hungry. So when he sees a fig tree, he walks toward it. Does it have figs? It is now late March, but the season for figs is not until June. Still, the leaves are out, having sprouted early. Thus, Jesus feels that there might be early figs. He finds, though, that there are none. The leaves have given the tree a deceptive appearance. Jesus then says: “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” (Mark 11:14) Immediately the tree starts to wither, the meaning of which is to be learned the next morning. Before long, Jesus and his disciples reach Jerusalem. He goes to the temple, which he inspected the previous afternoon. Today he does more than make an inspection; he takes action similar to what he did three years earlier at the Passover of 30 C.E. (John 2:14 through 16) This time Jesus throws out “those selling and buying in the temple.” He also overturns “the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.” (Mark 11:15) He does not even let anyone carrying things to another part of the city take a shortcut through the temple courtyard. Why is Jesus taking decisive action against those changing money and selling animals in the temple? He says: “Is it not written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a cave of robbers.” (Mark 11:17) His reason for calling these men robbers is that they demand exorbitant prices from those who have to buy animals needed for sacrifice. Jesus views their dealings as extortion, or robbery. Of course, the chief priests, scribes, and principal ones of the people hear what Jesus has done, and they respond with renewed efforts to have him killed. However, they face a problem. They do not know how to do away with Jesus, because the people are flocking to hear him. Not only natural Jews but also proselytes, converts to the Jews’ religion, have come for the Passover. Among them are Greeks who have come to worship at the festival. These approach Philip, perhaps attracted by his Greek name, and ask to see Jesus. Philip may be unsure whether such a meeting is appropriate, so he confers with Andrew. The two take the matter to Jesus, who is apparently still at the temple. Jesus knows that he is to die in a few days, so this is not the time to satisfy people’s curiosity or to seek popularity. He responds to the two apostles with an illustration, saying: “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Most truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit.” (John 12:23 and 24) One grain of wheat might seem of little value. Yet, if it is put into the soil and “dies” as a seed, it can germinate and in time grow into a productive stalk with many grains. Similarly, Jesus is one perfect man. Still, by his being faithful to God till his death, he will become the means of imparting everlasting life to many who have a similar spirit of self-sacrifice. Thus, Jesus says: “Whoever is fond of his life destroys it, but whoever hates his life in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life.” (John 12:25) Jesus is not thinking of himself only, for he says: “If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am, there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26) What a reward! Those honored by the Father will become Christ’s associates in the Kingdom. Bearing in mind the great suffering and agonizing death that awaits him, Jesus says: “Now I am troubled, and what should I say? Father, save me out of this hour.” But Jesus does not want to avoid accomplishing God’s will. He adds: “Nevertheless, this is why I have come to this hour.” (John 12:27) Jesus is in agreement with all that God has purposed, including his own sacrificial death.
[Box, Questions for review]
Why does Jesus expect to find figs, though it is not yet the normal season for them?
Why is it appropriate for Jesus to call those selling in the temple “robbers”?
How can Jesus be compared to a grain of wheat, and how does he feel about the suffering and death that awaits him? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 104
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 104. The Jews Hear God’s Voice, Will They Show Faith?]
John 12:28 through 50
Chapter Overview. Many hear God’s voice. The basis for judgment.
At the temple on Monday, Nisan 10, Jesus is speaking about his approaching death. Concerned about how God’s reputation will be affected, Jesus says: “Father, glorify your name.” A mighty voice from the heavens responds: “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” (John 12:27 and 28) The people nearby are bewildered. Some think that they heard thunder. Others say: “An angel has spoken to him.” (John 12:29) However, it is Jehovah whom they just heard speaking! And this is not the first time that humans have heard God’s voice in connection with Jesus. Three and a half years earlier, at Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptist heard God say of Jesus: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.” Later, after the Passover of 32 C.E., Jesus was transfigured before James, John, and Peter. Those three men heard God declare: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved. Listen to him.” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5) But now, this third time, Jehovah is speaking in a way that many can hear! Jesus says: “This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes.” (John 12:30) It is proof that he truly is God’s Son, the foretold Messiah. Moreover, Jesus’ faithful life course both exemplifies the way humans should live and confirms that Satan the Devil, the ruler of the world, deserves to be executed. Jesus says: “Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” Rather than being a defeat, Jesus’ approaching death will be a victory. How so? He explains: “Yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all sorts of men to myself.” (John 12:31 and 32) By means of his death on a stake, Jesus will draw others to himself, opening the way to everlasting life. In response to Jesus’ comment about being “lifted up,” the crowd says: “We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” (John 12:34) Despite all the evidence, including hearing God’s own voice, most of them do not accept Jesus as the true Son of man, the promised Messiah. As he has done before, Jesus speaks of himself as “the light.” (John 8:12; 9:5) He urges the crowd: “The light will be among you a little while longer. Walk while you still have the light, so that darkness does not overpower you ... While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35 and 36) Then Jesus withdraws, because Nisan 10 is not the day for him to die. Passover Nisan 14 is when he is to be “lifted up”, nailed to a stake. (Galatians 3:13) Looking back on Jesus’ ministry, it is clear that prophecy was being fulfilled when the Jews did not put faith in him. Isaiah foretold that the eyes of people would be blinded and their hearts would be hard so that they would not turn around to be healed. (Isaiah 6:10; John 12:40) Yes, most of the Jews stubbornly reject the evidence that Jesus is their promised Deliverer, the way to life. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and many other rulers “actually put faith” in Jesus. But will they act in faith, or will they hold back, either because they fear being expelled from the synagogue or because they ‘love the glory of men’? (John 12:42 and 43) Jesus himself explains what putting faith in him involves: “Whoever puts faith in me puts faith not only in me but also in him who sent me; and whoever sees me sees also the One who sent me.” The truths that God instructed Jesus to teach and that Jesus continues to proclaim are vital, so much so that he can say: “Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day.” (John 12:44 and 45, 48) Jesus then concludes: “I have not spoken of my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment means everlasting life.” (John 12:49 and 50) Jesus knows that shortly he will pour out his own lifeblood in sacrifice for humans who exercise faith in him. (Romans 5:8 and 9)
[Box, Questions for review]
With regard to Jesus, on what three occasions has God’s voice been heard?
What rulers put faith in Jesus, but why might they not confess him openly?
On what basis will people be judged “on the last day”? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Sunset (Nisan 11 begins)
Invitation to the 2024. Memorial of Jesus’ Death. What Can His Sacrifice Mean for You? [Press play below to hear your invitation]
[Image:] Artwork of Jesus Christ.
We invite you to two free events: First, the special Bible talk “The Resurrection, Victory Over Death!”.
Second, the Memorial of Jesus’ death
Memorial of Jesus’ Death. Will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024
[Image:] One of Jehovah’s Witnesses sharing his Bible with a man during a congregation meeting at a Kingdom Hall.
Once each year, Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate the death of Jesus just as he commanded when he said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
[Quotation] Luke 22:19: Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This means my body, which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
[Image:] Joyful families embracing their resurrected loved ones in Paradise.
SPECIAL BIBLE TALK “The Resurrection, Victory Over Death!”
This talk will be given on a weekend shortly before the Memorial. The speaker will discuss what the resurrection can mean for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How long is the program? It will last for about one hour.
Where will it be held? Contact Jehovah’s Witnesses for local details.
Is there a fee to attend? No.
Will collections be taken? No. Jehovah’s Witnesses never take collections at their meetings.
Is there a dress code? While this event has no specific dress code, Jehovah’s Witnesses try to follow the Bible’s advice to dress modestly and respectfully. (1 Timothy 2:9)
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 2:9: Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing, [End Quotation]
Your clothing does not need to be expensive or formal.
What will happen at the Memorial? The meeting starts and ends with the singing of a song, as well as a prayer offered by a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A Bible-based talk will discuss the importance of Jesus’ death and how we can benefit from what God and Christ have done for us.
When will future Memorial observances be held? Sunday, March 24, 2024; Saturday, April 12, 2025; Thursday, April 2, 2026
For more details, see the article “Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?” [This will play at the end of this invitation]
For a preview of the wonderful future that the death of Jesus makes possible. [Press play below for Video: Remember Jesus’ Death (1:41)]
[Click for transcript]|[Remember Jesus Death]
Presenter: “Imagine a world filled with peace,
[A waterfall in a lush rainforest]
free of suffering,
[Children run on along a shoreline]
an abundance of food for all,
[Friends around a bounteous table]
and life in perfect health.
[As waves roll onto a beach, a young couple strolls hand in hand]
But how can this beautiful future be possible? Because of what Jesus did for us.
[Onlookers watch Jesus drag his torture stake]
He came to earth for a purpose.
[Soldiers sink the stake into the ground]
He gave his life for those he loved. The night before he died, Jesus asked that we commemorate his sacrifice.
[Jesus at the Lord’s evening meal]
He said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”
[Text: Luke 22:19, New World Translation]
On the anniversary of his death, people around the world will gather to remember him.
[Scenes of the memorial worldwide]
Jehovah’s Witnesses invite you and your family to attend the Memorial of Jesus’ death.
[An audience holds Bibles]
At that meeting, you will find out why his sacrifice was so important and how his promises affect you.
[They pass unleavened bread]
To learn more on what the Bible says on this, and many other topics go to JW.org.”
[A Bible opens and computer icons pop up then transforms into the JW icon.
[Logo inside a White box. Black capital letter JW.ORG. Produced by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. Wallkill, New York, U.S.A. Copyright 2016 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania] [Click to close]
You may have heard that he died for our sins. But could one man’s sacrifice really benefit millions of people? [Press play below for Video: Why Did Jesus Die? (4:11)]
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[Why Did Jesus Die?]
[Text: Why Did Jesus Die?]
[A funeral procession]
Presenter: “Billions of people have died throughout history. But the death of one person stands alone —that of Jesus Christ.
[Jesus hanging on a stake]
Why did he die? Did his death have a purpose? To find the answer, we need to go back to the beginning of human history.
[The garden of Eden]
The Bible explains that God created the man Adam perfect, without sin. He was free to eat from all the trees in the garden of Eden —except one. God gave the simple command not to eat from that particular tree.
[Text: Genesis 2:15-17]
This tree symbolized God’s right to set the standards of good and bad. As long as Adam remained obedient to Jehovah, he had the prospect of living forever on a paradise earth. But Adam did not appreciate all the good things God had done for him.
[Eve gave Adam a fruit]
He chose to disobey God.
[He bites the fruit]
As a result, he lost the opportunity to live forever.
[Text: Genesis 3:17-19]
But he was not the only one affected. All of his descendants have inherited the fatal effects of sin.
[Text: Romans 5:12]
By themselves, humans could not break free from sin and death. They needed someone to rescue them.
[The funeral procession]
For this reason, Jehovah miraculously caused one of his perfect spirit sons to come to earth as a human.”
[Within the Universe, the earth shifts forward]
“Jesus was a perfect man, just as Adam had been. However, unlike Adam, Jesus remained obedient. This allowed him “to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”
[Text: Matthew 20:28]
But how could the death of one man benefit all of mankind?
[A factory building]
Well, imagine that the manager of a large factory steals money from the company.
[A manager takes money from a safe and puts it in his briefcase]
His actions plunge the company into debt, forcing it to shut down.
[Man pulls a lever at the factory]
The workers lose their jobs and cannot pay their bills. Many suffer because of that one man’s corruption.
[Rows of houses, the lights go out]
Now suppose a kind and generous man feels sorry for all those who are suffering.
[A man contemplates as e closes his newspaper]
He is moved to pay off the debt and reopen the company.
[The gates slide open. Factory workers enter. The factory in full operation]
By cancelling that one debt, he brings relief to all the employees and their families.
[Rows of houses, lights turn on]
Adam is like that corrupt manager. When he rebelled, he incurred a large debt of sin and passed it on to his children. You may wonder, did Jesus really exist?
Is believing in Jesus enough for salvation?
Is Jesus God?
To learn more about what the Bible says on this and many other topics go to j.w.org
[Text: Romans 5:19]
Jesus is like the generous man. When he gave up his perfect human life, he paid off the debt of sin and reopened the prospect of living forever for each of us.”
[Logo inside a White box. Black capital letter JW.ORG. Copyright 2016 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania] [Click to close]
Visit JW.org to find details of a local event near you. www.JW.org
“Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?”
[Click to read article]|[Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses, article 45]
“Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?”
We adhere strictly to the Bible in our observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal, which is also known as “the Lord’s supper,” the Last Supper, and the Memorial of Jesus’ death. (1 Corinthians 11:20; King James Version)
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:20: When you come together in one place, it is not really to eat the Lord’s Evening Meal. [End Quotation]
In contrast, many beliefs and practices of other denominations in connection with this observance are not based on the Bible.
Purpose. The purpose of the Lord’s Evening Meal is to remember Jesus, showing our gratitude for his sacrifice in our behalf.
[Quotation] Matthew 20:28: Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:24: and after giving thanks, he broke it and said: “This means my body, which is in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
The observance is not a sacrament, or a religious practice that imparts merit such as grace or the forgiveness of sins. The Bible teaches that our sins can be forgiven, not by a religious rite, but only through faith in Jesus.
[Quotation] Romans 3:25: God presented him as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood. This was to demonstrate his own righteousness, because God in his forbearance was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 John 2:1 and 2: My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. [End Quotation]
How often? Jesus commanded his disciples to commemorate the Lord’s Evening Meal, but he did not specifically say how often.
[Quotation] Luke 22:19: Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This means my body, which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
Some feel that it should be observed monthly, while others observe it weekly, daily, several times each day, or as often as a person feels is appropriate.* [Footnote] Some Bible translations use the term “as often as” in reference to the Lord’s Evening Meal, and that phrase has been interpreted to indicate how often the meal should be commemorated. However, the correct sense of the original-language term in this context is “whenever” or “every time.” 1 Corinthians 11:25 and 26; New International Version; Good News Translation.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:25 and 26: He did the same with the cup also, after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood. Keep doing this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he comes. [End Quotation] [End of footnote] However, here are some factors that should be considered. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal on the date of the Jewish Passover, and he died later that same day.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:1 and 2: Now when Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples: “You know that two days from now the Passover takes place, and the Son of man will be handed over to be executed on the stake.” [End Quotation]
This was no coincidence. The Scriptures compare Jesus’ sacrifice to that of the Passover lamb.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 5:7 and 8: Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. So, then, let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [End Quotation]
The Passover was observed once each year.
[Quotation] Exodus 12:1 through 6: Jehovah now said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: “This month will be the beginning of the months for you. It will be the first of the months of the year for you. Speak to the entire assembly of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they should each take for themselves a sheep for their father’s house, a sheep to a house. But if the household is too small for the sheep, they and their nearest neighbor should share it between themselves in their house according to the number of people. When making the calculation, determine how much of the sheep each one will eat. Your sheep should be a sound, one year old male. You may choose from the young rams or from the goats. You must care for it until the 14th day of this month, and the whole congregation of the assembly of Israel must slaughter it at twilight. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Leviticus 23:5: In the first month, on the 14th day of the month, at twilight is the Passover to Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Likewise, the Memorial of Jesus’ death was observed once each year by the early Christians, and Jehovah’s Witnesses follow that Bible-based pattern.
Date and time. The pattern established by Jesus helps determine not only the frequency but also the date and time of the Memorial. He introduced the observance after sundown on Nisan 14, 33 C.E., according to the Bible’s lunar calendar.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:18 through 20: He said: “Go into the city to So-and-so and say to him, ‘The Teacher says: “My appointed time is near; I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your home.”’” So the disciples did as Jesus instructed them and prepared for the Passover. When evening came, he was reclining at the table with the 12 disciples. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 26:26: As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: “Take, eat. This means my body.” [End Quotation]
We continue to observe the Memorial on this date each year, following the practice of early Christians. Although Nisan 14, 33 C.E. was a Friday, the anniversary of that date might fall on a different day of the week each year. We determine the date that Nisan 14 falls each year using the same method as was used in the time of Jesus, rather than applying the method used for the modern Jewish calendar.* [Footnote] The modern Jewish calendar determines the beginning of the month of Nisan by the astronomical new moon, but that technique was not used in the first century. Instead, the month began when the new moon was first visible in Jerusalem, which can be a day or more after the moment of the astronomical new moon. This difference is one reason why the date on which Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial does not always coincide with the date used by modern Jews for the Passover. [End of footnote]
Bread and wine. For the new observance, Jesus used unleavened bread and red wine that were left over from the Passover meal.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:26 through 28: As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: “Take, eat. This means my body.” And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of you, for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. [End Quotation]
Following his example, we use bread without leaven or added ingredients and plain red wine, not grape juice or wine that has been sweetened, fortified, or spiced.
Some denominations use bread with leavening or yeast, but leaven is often used in the Bible as a symbol of sin and corruption. (Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 5:7-9)
[Quotation] Luke 12:1: In the meantime, when a crowd of so many thousands had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, he started by saying first to his disciples: “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 5:6 through 8: Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough? Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. So, then, let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Galatians 5:7 through 9: You were running well. Who hindered you from continuing to obey the truth? This sort of persuasion does not come from the One calling you. A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough. [End Quotation]
Thus, only bread free from leaven and other additives can be a fitting symbol for Christ’s sinless body.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2:22: He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. [End Quotation]
Another practice not supported by the Bible is that of substituting unfermented grape juice for wine. Some churches do so because of their unscriptural prohibition against consuming alcohol.
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 5:23: Do not drink water any longer, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness. [End Quotation]
Emblems, not literal flesh and blood. The unleavened bread and red wine served at the Memorial are emblems, or symbols, of Christ’s flesh and blood. They are not miraculously changed into or mixed with his literal flesh and blood, as some feel. Consider the Scriptural basis for this understanding. If Jesus had commanded his disciples to drink his blood, he would have been telling them to break God’s law against consuming blood.
[Quotation] Genesis 9:4: Only flesh with its life, its blood, you must not eat. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 15:28 and 29: For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” [End Quotation]
Yet this could not be, for Jesus would never instruct others to violate God’s law regarding the sacredness of blood.
[Quotation] John 8:28 and 29: Jesus then said: “After you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me, I speak these things. And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.” [End Quotation]
If the apostles had been literally drinking Jesus’ blood, he would not have said that his blood “is to be poured out,” indicating that his sacrifice was yet to occur.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:28: for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. [End Quotation]
Jesus’ sacrifice took place “once for all time.”
[Quotation] Hebrews 9:25 and 26: This was not done to offer himself often, as when the high priest enters into the holy place from year to year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, he would have to suffer often from the founding of the world. But now he has manifested himself once for all time at the conclusion of the systems of things to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself. [End Quotation]
However, if the bread and wine were changed into his flesh and blood during the Lord’s Evening Meal, then those partaking would be repeating that sacrifice. Jesus said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me,” not “in sacrifice of me.”
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:24: and after giving thanks, he broke it and said: “This means my body, which is in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
Those who believe in transubstantiation, that the bread and wine become Jesus’ literal body and blood, base this doctrine on the wording of certain Bible verses. For example, in many Bible translations, Jesus is recorded as saying of the wine: “This is my blood.”
[Quotation] Matthew 26:28: for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. [End Quotation]
However, Jesus’ words can also be translated as: “This means my blood,” “This represents my blood,” or “This signifies my blood.” As he had often done, Jesus was teaching by using a metaphor.
[Quotation] Matthew 13:34 and 35: All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them, in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet who said: “I will open my mouth with illustrations; I will proclaim things hidden since the founding.” [End Quotation]
Who partake? When Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Lord’s Evening Meal, only a small fraction of us partake of the bread and wine. Why is that so? Jesus’ shed blood established “a new covenant” that replaced the covenant between Jehovah God and the ancient nation of Israel.
[Quotation] Hebrews 8:10 through 13: “‘For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,’ says Jehovah. ‘I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I will write them. And I will become their God, and they will become my people. “‘And they will no longer teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: “Know Jehovah!” For they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful toward their unrighteous deeds, and I will no longer call their sins to mind.’” In his saying “a new covenant,” he has made the former one obsolete. Now what is obsolete and growing old is near to vanishing away. [End Quotation]
Those who are in that new covenant partake of the Memorial emblems. It includes, not all Christians, but only “those who have been called” in a special way by God.
[Quotation] Hebrews 9:15: That is why he is a mediator of a new covenant, in order that because a death has occurred for their release by ransom from the transgressions under the former covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the everlasting inheritance. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Luke 22:20: Also, he did the same with the cup after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf. [End Quotation]
These ones will rule in heaven with Christ, and the Bible says that just 144,000 people receive that privilege.
[Quotation] Luke 12:28 through 30: 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! So stop seeking what you will eat and what you will drink, and stop being in anxious suspense; for all these are the things the nations of the world are eagerly pursuing, but your Father knows you need these things. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 5:9 and 10: And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought people for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
Revelation 5:10: and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 14:1: Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 14:3: And they are singing what seems to be a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders, and no one was able to master that song except the 144,000, who have been bought from the earth. [End Quotation]
In contrast to the “little flock” of those called to rule with Christ, the vast majority of us hope to be part of “a great crowd” who will gain everlasting life on earth.
[Quotation] Luke 12:32: “Have no fear, little flock, for your Father has approved of giving you the Kingdom. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 7:9 and 10: After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep shouting with a loud voice, saying: “Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.” [End Quotation]
While those of us with an earthly hope do not partake of the Memorial emblems, we do join in expressing thanks for the sacrifice that Jesus made in our behalf.
[Quotation] 1 John 2:2: And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. [End Quotation] [Click to close]