Memorial Bible Reading Schedule 2024 and Invitation
Wednesday, March 27 Sunrise
[Image:] Jesus identifying himself before a mob who have come to arrest him.
Matthew 28:1 through 15
[Click to read scripture]|[Matthew 28:1 through 15:] After the Sabbath, when it was growing light on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to view the grave. And look! a great earthquake had taken place, for Jehovah’s angel had descended from heaven and had come and rolled away the stone, and he was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. Yes, out of their fear of him, the watchmen trembled and became as dead men. But the angel said to the women: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was executed on the stake. He is not here, for he was raised up, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he was raised up from the dead, for look! he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there. Look! I have told you.” So, quickly leaving the memorial tomb, with fear and great joy, they ran to report to his disciples. And look! Jesus met them and said: “Good day!” They approached and took hold of his feet and did obeisance to him. Then Jesus said to them: “Have no fear! Go, report to my brothers so that they may go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” While they were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. And after these had gathered with the elders and had consulted together, they gave a considerable number of silver pieces to the soldiers and said: “Say, ‘His disciples came in the night and stole him while we were sleeping.’ And if this gets to the governor’s ears, we will explain the matter to him and you will not need to worry.” So they took the silver pieces and did as they were instructed, and this story has been spread abroad among the Jews up to this very day. [Click to close]
Mark 16:2 through 8
[Click to read scripture]|[Mark 16:2 through 8:] And very early on the first day of the week when the sun had risen, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another: “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was very large. When they entered into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were stunned. He said to them: “Do not be stunned. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was executed on the stake. He was raised up. He is not here. Look, here is the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.’” So when they came out, they fled from the tomb, trembling and overwhelmed with emotion. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were in fear. [Click to close]
Luke 24:1 through 49
[Click to read scripture]|[Luke 24:1 through 49:] But on the first day of the week, they came very early to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, look! two men in shining garments stood by them. The women became frightened and kept their faces turned toward the ground, so the men said to them: “Why are you looking for the living one among the dead? He is not here, but has been raised up. Recall how he spoke to you while he was yet in Galilee, saying that the Son of man must be handed over to sinful men and be executed on the stake and on the third day rise.” Then they remembered his words, and they returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. They were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. Also, the rest of the women with them were telling these things to the apostles. However, these sayings seemed like nonsense to them, and they would not believe the women. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, and stooping forward, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went off, wondering to himself what had occurred. But look! on that very day, two of them were traveling to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were conversing with each other about all these things that had happened. Now as they were conversing and discussing these things, Jesus himself approached and began walking with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them: “What are these matters that you are debating between yourselves as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad. In answer the one named Cleopas said to him: “Are you a stranger dwelling alone in Jerusalem and do not know the things that have occurred there during these days?” He asked them: “What things?” They said to him: “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who proved to be a prophet powerful in deed and word before God and all the people; and how our chief priests and rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they nailed him to the stake. But we were hoping that this man was the one who was going to deliver Israel. Yes, and besides all these things, this is the third day since these things occurred. Moreover, some women from among us also astonished us, for they went early to the tomb and when they did not find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a supernatural sight of angels, who said he is alive. Then some of those who were with us went off to the tomb, and they found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” So he said to them: “O senseless ones and slow of heart to believe all the things the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” And starting with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures. Finally they got close to the village to which they were traveling, and he made as if to travel on farther. But they urged him to remain, saying: “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is nearly over.” With that he went in to stay with them. And as he was dining with them, he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and began handing it to them. At that their eyes were fully opened and they recognized him; but he disappeared from them. And they said to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us as he was speaking to us on the road, as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us?” And they got up in that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the Eleven and those assembled together with them, who said: “For a fact the Lord was raised up, and he appeared to Simon!” Then they related the events on the road and how he became known to them by the breaking of the bread. While they were speaking of these things, he himself stood in their midst and said to them: “May you have peace.” But because they were terrified and frightened, they imagined that they were seeing a spirit. So he said to them: “Why are you troubled, and why have doubts come up in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as you see that I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. But while they were still not believing for sheer joy and amazement, he said to them: “Do you have something there to eat?” So they handed him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it before their eyes. He then said to them: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was yet with you, that all the things written about me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures, and he said to them, “This is what is written: that the Christ would suffer and rise from among the dead on the third day, and on the basis of his name, repentance for forgiveness of sins would be preached in all the nations, starting out from Jerusalem. You are to be witnesses of these things. And look! I am sending upon you what my Father promised. You, though, stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” [Click to close]
John 20:1 through 25
[Click to read scripture]|[John 20:1 through 25:] On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and she saw that the stone had already been taken away from the tomb. So she came running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, for whom Jesus had affection, and she said to them: “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. The two of them began running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. Stooping forward, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter also came, following him, and he went into the tomb. And he saw the linen cloths lying there. The cloth that had been on his head was not lying with the other cloth bands but was rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead. So the disciples went back to their homes. Mary, however, kept standing outside near the tomb, weeping. While she was weeping, she stooped forward to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. And they said to her: “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them: “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have laid him.” After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her: “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She, thinking it was the gardener, said to him: “Sir, if you have carried him off, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her: “Mary!” On turning around, she said to him in Hebrew: “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher!”) Jesus said to her: “Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and brought the news to the disciples: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her. When it was late that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them: “May you have peace.” After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced at seeing the Lord. Jesus said to them again: “May you have peace. Just as the Father has sent me, I also am sending you.” After saying this he blew on them and said to them: “Receive holy spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain those of anyone, they are retained.” But Thomas, one of the Twelve, who was called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him: “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will never believe it.” [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 134
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 134. An Empty Tomb, Jesus Is Alive!]
Matthew 28:3 through 15; Mark 16:5 through 8; Luke 24:4 through 12; John 20:2 through 18
Chapter Overview. Jesus is resurrected. Experiences at Jesus’ tomb. He appears to various women.
What a shock it is for the women to discover what appears to be an empty burial place! Mary Magdalene runs off to “Simon Peter and to the other disciple, for whom Jesus had affection”, the apostle John. (John 20:2) However, the other women at the tomb see an angel. And inside the memorial tomb is another angel, who is “clothed in a white robe.” (Mark 16:5) One of the angels tells them: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was executed on the stake. He is not here, for he was raised up, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he was raised up from the dead, for look! he is going ahead of you into Galilee.” (Matthew 28:5 through 7) So “trembling and overwhelmed with emotion,” the women run to report to the disciples. (Mark 16:8) By now, Mary has found Peter and John. Breathlessly, she reports: “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” (John 20:2) Peter and John take off running. John is faster and reaches the tomb first. He peers into it and sees the bandages, but he remains outside. When Peter arrives, he goes right in. He sees the linen cloths and the cloth used to wrap Jesus’ head. John now enters, and he believes Mary’s report. Despite what Jesus said earlier, neither of them understands that he has been raised up. (Matthew 16:21) Puzzled, they head home. But Mary, who has come back to the tomb, remains there. Meanwhile, the other women are on their way to tell the disciples that Jesus has been raised. While they are running to do so, Jesus meets them and says: “Good day!” They fall at his feet and ‘do obeisance to him.’ Then Jesus says: “Have no fear! Go, report to my brothers so that they may go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:9 and 10) Earlier, when the earthquake occurred and the angels appeared, the soldiers at the tomb “trembled and became as dead men.” After recovering, they entered the city and “reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.” The priests then consulted with elders of the Jews. The decision was made to bribe the soldiers to hide the matter and to claim: “His disciples came in the night and stole him while we were sleeping.” (Matthew 28:4, 11, 13) Roman soldiers can be put to death if they fall asleep at their post, so the priests promise: “If this [their lie about having been asleep] gets to the governor’s ears, we will explain the matter to him and you will not need to worry.” (Matthew 28:14) The soldiers take the bribe and do what the priests say. Thus the false story of Jesus’ body being stolen spreads widely among the Jews. Mary Magdalene is still grieving at the tomb. Stooping forward to look into it, she sees two angels in white! One sits at the head of where Jesus’ body had been lying and the other at the foot. “Woman, why are you weeping?” they ask. Mary answers: “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Turning around, Mary sees someone else. He repeats the angels’ question and adds: “Whom are you looking for?” Thinking that he is the gardener, she says: “Sir, if you have carried him off, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” (John 20:13 through 15) Actually, Mary is speaking to the resurrected Jesus, but at the moment she does not recognize him. However, when he says, “Mary!” she knows that it is Jesus, recognizing him by the familiar way he speaks to her. “Rabboni!” (meaning, “Teacher!”), Mary exclaims joyfully. Yet, afraid that he is about to ascend to heaven, she grabs hold of him. Hence, Jesus urges her: “Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’” (John 20:16 and 17) Mary runs to the place where the apostles and other disciples are gathered. She tells them: “I have seen the Lord!” adding her account to what they have heard from the other women. (John 20:18) Yet, the reports ‘seem like nonsense to them.’ (Luke 24:11)
[Box, Questions for review]
After Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty, what experiences do she and the other women have?
How do Peter and John react at finding the tomb empty?
Whom do the other women encounter on their way to the disciples, and what happens when Mary Magdalene is again at the tomb?
How do the disciples respond to the reports they get? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 135
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 135. The Resurrected Jesus Appears to Many]
Luke 24:13 through 49; John 20:19 through 29
Chapter Overview. Jesus appears on the road to Emmaus. He repeatedly opens up the scriptures to his disciples. Thomas ceases to doubt.
On Sunday, Nisan 16, the disciples are in low spirits. They do not grasp the meaning of the empty tomb. (Matthew 28:9 and 10; Luke 24:11) Later in the day, Cleopas and another disciple leave Jerusalem for Emmaus, which is about seven miles (11 kilometers) away. As they walk, they discuss what has occurred. Then a stranger joins them. He asks: “What are these matters that you are debating between yourselves as you walk along?” Cleopas replies: “Are you a stranger dwelling alone in Jerusalem and do not know the things that have occurred there during these days?” The stranger asks: “What things?” (Luke 24:17 through 19) “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they say. “We were hoping that this man was the one who was going to deliver Israel.” (Luke 24:19 through 21) Cleopas and his companion go on to relate things that happened that very day. They say that some women who went to the tomb where Jesus was buried found it empty and that these women were eyewitnesses to a supernatural event—the appearance of angels who said that Jesus is alive. They report that others also went to the tomb and “found it just as the women had said.” (Luke 24:24) The two disciples are clearly bewildered as to the meaning of what has occurred. The stranger responds with authority to correct their wrong thinking, which is affecting their hearts: “O senseless ones and slow of heart to believe all the things the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25 and 26) He goes on to interpret for them many Scriptural passages pertaining to the Christ. Finally the three arrive near Emmaus. The two disciples want to hear more, so they urge the stranger: “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is nearly over.” He agrees to stay, and they have a meal. As the stranger says a prayer, breaks bread, and hands it to them, they recognize him, but then he disappears. (Luke 24:29 through 31) Now they know for sure that Jesus is alive! The two disciples excitedly comment on what they experienced: “Were not our hearts burning within us as he was speaking to us on the road, as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) They hurry back to Jerusalem, where they find the apostles and others with them. Before Cleopas and his companion can give a report, they hear others say: “For a fact the Lord was raised up, and he appeared to Simon!” (Luke 24:34) Then the two tell how Jesus appeared to them. Yes, they too are eyewitnesses. Now all are shocked, Jesus appears in the room! This seems unbelievable because they locked the doors out of fear of the Jews. Still, Jesus is standing right in their midst. He calmly says: “May you have peace.” But they are frightened. As they did once before, they are ‘imagining that they are seeing a spirit.’ (Luke 24:36 and 37; Matthew 14:25 through 27) To prove that he is no apparition or something they merely imagine but, rather, that he does have a fleshly body, Jesus shows them his hands and feet and says: “Why are you troubled, and why have doubts come up in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as you see that I have.” (Luke 24:36 through 39) They are overjoyed and amazed but still somewhat reluctant to believe. Further attempting to help them to see that he is real, he asks: “Do you have something there to eat?” He accepts a piece of broiled fish and eats it. Then he says: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was yet with you [before my death], that all the things written about me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:41 through 44) Jesus had helped Cleopas and his companion to understand the Scriptures, and he does so now for all those gathered there: “This is what is written: that the Christ would suffer and rise from among the dead on the third day, and on the basis of his name, repentance for forgiveness of sins would be preached in all the nations, starting out from Jerusalem. You are to be witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46 through 48) For some reason the apostle Thomas is not present. In the following days, others joyfully tell him: “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas responds: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will never believe it.” (John 20:25) Eight days later, the disciples are again meeting behind locked doors, but this time Thomas is present. Jesus appears in their midst in a materialized body and greets them: “May you have peace.” Turning to Thomas, Jesus says: “Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop doubting but believe.” Thomas exclaims: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26 through 28) Yes, he now has no doubts that Jesus is alive as a divine being who is Jehovah God’s representative. “Because you have seen me, have you believed?” Jesus says. “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29)
[Box, Questions for review]
A stranger makes what inquiry of two disciples going to Emmaus?
Why do the hearts of the disciples soon burn within them?
When Cleopas and his companion return to Jerusalem, what exciting report do they hear, and what then happens?
How is Thomas finally convinced that Jesus is alive? [End of Box] [Click to close]
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]