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Memorial Bible Reading Schedule 2025 and Invitation

Monday, April 7. Sunrise Sunset (Nisan 9 begins) 

[Image:] Guards taking Jesus into custody in the garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:6 through 13

[Click to read scripture]|[Matthew 26:6 through 13:] While Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil approached him, and she began pouring it on his head as he was dining. On seeing this, the disciples became indignant and said: “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them: “Why do you try to make trouble for the woman? She did a fine deed toward me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. When she put this perfumed oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I say to you, wherever this good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did will also be told in memory of her.” [Click to close]

Mark 14:3 through 9

[Click to read scripture]|[Mark 14:3 through 9:] And while he was at Bethany dining in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, genuine nard, very expensive. She broke open the alabaster jar and began pouring it on his head. At this some said to one another indignantly: “Why has this perfumed oil been wasted? For this perfumed oil could have been sold for more than 300 denarii and the money given to the poor!” And they were greatly annoyed with her. But Jesus said: “Let her alone. Why do you try to make trouble for her? She did a fine deed toward me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can do them good whenever you want to, but you will not always have me. She did what she could; she poured perfumed oil on my body beforehand, in view of the burial. Truly I say to you, wherever the good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did will also be told in memory of her.” [Click to close]

John 12:2 through 11

[Click to read scripture]|[John 12:2 through 11:] So they spread an evening meal for him there, and Martha was serving them, but Lazarus was one of those dining with him. Then Mary took a pound of perfumed oil, genuine nard, very costly, and she poured it on the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house became filled with the scent of the perfumed oil. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, who was about to betray him, said: “Why was this perfumed oil not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, though, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box and used to steal the money put in it. Then Jesus said: “Let her alone, so that she may keep this observance in view of the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile, a large crowd of Jews got to know that he was there, and they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised up from the dead. The chief priests now conspired to kill Lazarus also, since it was because of him that many of the Jews were going there and putting faith in Jesus. [Click to close]

Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 101

[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 101. A Meal at Simon’s House in Bethany]
Matthew 26:6 through 13; Mark 14:3 through 9; John 11:55 through 12:11

Chapter overview. Jesus returns to Bethany, near Jerusalem. Mary pours perfumed oil on Jesus.

Leaving Jericho, Jesus heads for Bethany. The trip involves a climb of some 12 miles (20 kilometers) over difficult terrain. Jericho is about 820 feet (250 meters) below sea level, and Bethany is about 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level. Lazarus and his two sisters live in the little village of Bethany, which is about two miles (3 kilometers) from Jerusalem and on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Many Jews have already arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover. They have come early “to cleanse themselves ceremonially” in case they have touched a dead body or done something else that makes them unclean. (John 11:55; Numbers 9:6 through 10) Some of these who arrive early gather at the temple. They speculate on whether Jesus will come to the Passover. (John 11:56) There is great controversy regarding Jesus. Some religious leaders want to seize him to put him to death. In fact, they have ordered that if any learn of Jesus’ whereabouts, they are to report to them ‘so that they can seize him.’ (John 11:57) These leaders have already tried to kill Jesus after he resurrected Lazarus. (John 11:49 through 53) Understandably, some may doubt whether Jesus will appear in public at all. Jesus arrives at Bethany on Friday, “six days before the Passover.” (John 12:1) A new day (Sabbath, Nisan 8) begins at sundown. Thus, he has completed the trip before the Sabbath. He could not have traveled from Jericho on the Sabbath, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, for such travel is restricted by Jewish law. Jesus probably goes to Lazarus’ home, as he has done before. Simon, who also lives in Bethany, invites Jesus and his companions, including Lazarus, for a meal Saturday evening. Simon is called “the leper,” perhaps being a former leper whom Jesus had at some point healed. Reflecting her industrious character, Martha ministers to the guests. Mary is particularly attentive to Jesus, this time in a way that stirs controversy. Mary opens an alabaster case, or small flask, that holds about “a pound of perfumed oil, genuine nard.” (John 12:3) This oil is very precious, its value (300 denarii) being the equivalent of about a year’s wages! Mary pours the oil on Jesus’ head and on his feet and then wipes his feet with her hair. The aromatic scent fills the whole house. The disciples are angry and ask: “Why has this perfumed oil been wasted?” (Mark 14:4) Judas Iscariot objects, saying: “Why was this perfumed oil not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12:5) Judas is not really concerned about the poor. He has been stealing from the money box he keeps for the disciples. Jesus defends Mary, saying: “Why do you try to make trouble for the woman? She did a fine deed toward me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. When she put this perfumed oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I say to you, wherever this good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:10 through 13) He has now been in Bethany for more than a day, and word of Jesus’ presence has spread about. Many Jews come to Simon’s house not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus, “whom [Jesus] had raised up from the dead.” (John 12:9) The chief priests now take counsel to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. These religious leaders feel that Lazarus’ being alive again is the reason why many people are putting faith in Jesus. How wicked these religious leaders are!

[Box, Questions for review]
What are the Jews at the temple discussing?
Why must Jesus have arrived in Bethany on Friday rather than on Saturday?
What is Mary doing that stirs controversy, and how does Jesus defend her?
What shows the great wickedness of the chief priests? [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]

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