w13 12/15 p. 23 ‘Do This in Remembrance of Me’
MEMORIAL 2014
The moon circles our earth each month. In the course of each cycle, there is a moment when the moon lines up between the earth and the sun. This astronomical configuration is termed “new moon.” At that point, the moon is not visible from the earth nor will it be until 18 to 30 hours later. [Comment: the moon is directly in the glare of the sun and passes in front of it. During an exact alignment, a solar eclipse occurs with obvious visibility.]
During 2014, the new moon nearest the vernal (spring) equinox will be on March 30, at 8:45 p.m. (20:45), Jerusalem time. The following sunset in Jerusalem (March 31) will come about 21 hours later. It is doubtful that the first sliver of the moon will be visible then. More likely, the first sunset when the initial crescent of the moon can be seen in Jerusalem will be on April 1. By the method the ancient Jews used, that will be the day when the first month (Nisan 1) will start, at sunset.
Hence, congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the earth have been informed that Nisan 14 will begin at sunset on Monday, April 14, 2014. That will be about the time of the full moon.—For more details on calculating the date, see The Watchtower of June 15, 1977, pages 383-384.
The Organization’s calculations fail on several counts. Jerusalem starts Daylight Saving Time on Sunday March 30 at 2 am. Therefore, if the new moon occurs that evening at 18:45 Greenwich Mean Time, that would be 9:45 pm on the clock in Jerusalem. In 2014 both the Jewish Calendar and the WT version of the same adds a 13th lunar month (Adar2.) Therefore the new lunar month would begin at the next sunset. But will the crescent moon be visible on the horizon above the setting sun.
The moon moves one diameter per hour upward and away from the sun (about a finger-width if you hold your hand up to the horizon.) The sun will set at 6:57 pm DST in Jerusalem the next evening, March 31. At that point, the new moon will be 21 hours 12 minutes old, and will set at 7:50pm, when it will be 22 hours 5 minutes old.
If civil twilight ends 45 minutes after sunset, then the sky is fully dark and the moon is 22 fingers above the sun and still above the horizon.
The Society has been under the mistaken impression that multiple observers were set on the western wall of Jerusalem to look for the new moon, in order to blow the horns to announce the beginning of the Babylonian (not Jewish) month of Nisan. The name derives from Assyrian, meaning “month of happiness (Spring!)
The WT footnotes on Babylonian calendar calculations point to scholarly works that explain the Babylonian astronomers had advanced the science of eclipse prediction through published tables. Jews lived in Babylon from the time of the exile right down to the time of Christ. Since the solar eclipse is the astronomical moment of the new moon, the method of observers was used to calibrate in “fingers” the timing of the moon's leading the sun at the end of the lunar month, to lagging behind it in the new lunar month at the rate of about one finger per hour.
The WT has frequently cited a necessary 18 to 30 hours required for visibility at sunset. So it would seem likely that Nisan should begin at sundown on March 31st, 2014. Yet consistently, the Governing Body ignores its own rule and waits an additional day, claiming visibility not likely. Therefore, unlike the Jewish Calendar, the Society starts Nisan 1 on April 1st of 2014.
In 2013 a similar situation occurred, except that the comet PAN-STARRS C/2011 L4 appeared with maximum brightness and the same altitude in the sky as the new moon on the evening of March 12, 2013. This meant that hundreds of cameras were trained on the sunset from Jerusalem, when the new moon was about 21 hours old, to California, when at sunset the new moon was 31 hours old. This allows us and the entire world to judge the reliability of the judgment of the Governing Body in this matter.
At Athens Greece some 22 hours after the moment of the new moon, Stelios Zacharias took this photo of the new crescent:
A photographer captured this photo of the new moon setting in California with the comet next to it, about 31 hours after the moon had crossed the sun. The bright sliver at the moon's bottom is the portion of the moon's surface in sunlight.
Once the crescent (sliver) of light is visible, the new moon is past. There is no reason to wait the extra day. The thought that the Jews had to wait for visible confirmation is specious and historically inaccurate. They could know by precise calculation when the new moon was even if the skies remained cloudy for days, because the Babylonians, master astronomers that they were, had worked this out centuries before.
So what is one to do if a Christian wishes to gain everlasting life by obeying the words of Jesus:
(John 6:48-59) “I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness and yet they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever; and for a fact, the bread that I will give is my flesh in behalf of the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. It is not as when your forefathers ate and yet died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things as he was teaching in a synagogue in Ca·per′na·um.
If the Christian wishes to follow this command, when will the partaking be done?
(Luke 22:14-23) 14 So when the hour came, he reclined at the table along with the apostles. 15 And he said to them: “I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” 17 And accepting a cup, he gave thanks and said: “Take this and pass it from one to the other among yourselves, 18 for I tell you, from now on, I will not drink again from the product of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.”
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.” 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.
21 “But look! the hand of my betrayer is with me at the table. 22 For, indeed, the Son of man is going his way according to what has been determined; all the same, woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!” 23 So they began to discuss among themselves which one of them could really be about to do this.
Note Luke's explicit report that the apostles were all there and that the hand of the betrayer is still “with me at the table” after the partaking.
According to the Jewish procedure and often stated principles of the Governing Body as to this being done on Nisan 14 after sundown, we see from evidence that Sunday April 13th, and not Monday April 14, is the correct date.
As to where to do this, the Law Covenant as well as what Jesus instituted was done in a home setting by believers gathering themselves into family groups. This is quite different that the upcoming “campaign” to invite the public to join with mere “friends of God” in observing the remnant partaking, which could been observed in less than one out of a thousand congregations.
Many Jehovah’s Witnesses are coming to the realization that we have been failing to obey Jesus’ command all these years. (For more information see “Kiss the Son”.) However, because the organization has created a stigma for anyone desiring to partake, many are afraid to obey this command. If you were to partake publicly, some would look down on you as being presumptuous while others would consider you as someone special and treat you with a certain reverence. Both attitudes are wrong, of course, but are a natural offshoot of the doctrine that teaches that only a privileged elite have a heavenly hope. These few are informed of this marvelous privilege through some mysterious and unexplained means by which God informs them of their newfound status.
Should this keep you from partaking publicly? Some have suggested that it would be incorrect to partake publicly since we would be supporting an erroneous teaching. On the other hand, to attend a memorial and not partake is likewise sending a message that we support an erroneous teaching. Qui tacet concentire! Silence (or in this case, inaction) gives consent. The only way to avoid sending either message is to avoid the commemoration altogether. Some have chosen to do this, and instead are meeting with a few similarly minded friends on the real date of the Memorial this year, April 13th. However, this is not possible for all. There are those who feel that a public declaration of their faith is the best way to comply with Jesus command:
(1 Corinthians 11:25, 26) “Keep doing this, as often as YOU drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as YOU eat this loaf and drink this cup, YOU keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.”
They reason that if enough Jehovah’s Witnesses take a stand in this way, they will proclaim a truth that cannot really be spoken freely in the congregation in any other way. After all, a person cannot be disfellowshipped for partaking of the emblems. Of course, one must be very careful how one responds to any questions that may be forthcoming after the Memorial. It has been said that, “no one ever got in trouble by keeping his mouth shut.” Silence, therefore, is the best defense against intrusive and probing questions that are merely intended as entrapment.
There are those who wish to recapture the spirit of the original Memorial by meeting together in a small group, enjoying a meal, reading from the Bible and discussing it, perhaps singing some songs, and finally, passing the bread and the wine. This they plan to do on April 13th. These same ones will then meet with the congregation on April 14th and again partake.
That a Christian should partake is not a matter for discussion. It is command of our Lord and must be obeyed. How he chooses to partake is another matter entirely. Each one must be guided by his or her own conscience and give due consideration to his or her own circumstances.
Pray for the guidance and blessing of Jehovah as we approach this most sacred of nights.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Alex Rover on 2014-02-24 19:23:03
Funny I just realized. Meleti is a regular "publisher".
Comment by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-02-24 20:10:25
This is a beautiful and timely article . I am so thankful to our Father that you posted this!!!
It was a running joke throughout the consideration of the Watchtower last week that no one understood the article. The conductor ( who I love dearly) kept joking and making comments like “We all understand right?” The congregation laughed and answered the questions straight from the paragraphs . He admitted that he had no idea what the Watchtower was about and reminded everyone that the GB is basically saying to be in attendance at the Memorial on April 14th.
I get emotional at the idea of a small intimate gathering. I know that is what Jesus would have wanted. If I happen to be alone on April 13th I will still feel an overwhelming sense of joy knowing that brothers and sisters are fufilling their duty to obey Christ’s command.
I am going to attend the memorial to respect the wishes of my husband but I have also chosen not to pass the wine or bread. He is becoming surprisingly more and more supportive of my stand. I caught him researching some of the things we discussed in our heated discussion a few months back.
However ,I am not publicly rejecting the emblems of Christ even if the JW memorial is invalid…..my conscience won’t allow it. The brothers are going to have to find a way to skip over me or I will excuse myself during that portion of the meeting.
I am still terribly nervous at the thought of partaking so please pray for me .
Thanks again for the hard work that you obviously put into this article :)Reply by Sargon on 2014-02-24 20:39:48
That's hilarious. I was visiting another congregation and the conductor said the same thing several times. Everyone laughed. He called on one brother 7 times as it seemed he was the only one who understood anything or actually cared.
Reply by GodsWordisTruth on 2014-02-24 21:36:52
7 times? Lol! My conductor was struggling for commenters.. Alot of people commented how relieved they were that it was over.
Comment by Sargon on 2014-02-24 20:37:36
A bit unrelated but that is an amazing photo of the comet and new moon. I'm a lover of astronomy and had a chance to drive through Joshua Tree forest on an excursion through California Nevada and Arizona. Is there a link to that photo?
Comment by iokub on 2014-02-24 22:29:27
Please see this
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/march2013/paulw314-1.htm
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-02-25 00:44:55
Meleti, Thank you for this detailed explanation of these events. It is not in my heart to go to the KH. I have no one to gather with for the memorial on April 13, so I am making plans to celebrate alone. Any thoughts from anyone as to whether my partaking alone will be...acceptable to our Saviour Jesus?
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-02-25 09:33:18
If there is no one else to celebrate with, then you may be forced to do it by yourself, but will not be alone. If Jesus abandons the 99 for the 1, will he not be present when the 1 is alone?
Comment by Harrison Webster on 2014-02-25 03:08:44
Thank you so much Meleti ! That article was just so clear and easy to comprehend ! Quite a contrast to the Watchtower !
Perhaps the Writing Department will ask you to edit their articles in future ? maybe not.
You have also solved a problem that my "gut feeling" has been giving me for years, namely that we celebrate the Memorial on the wrong day !
This has prompted me to do a quick bit of research, which I need to do more in depth, as I do not understand what I have uncovered. I think despite my many years in the truth, I have never really thought about this properly.
First of all I was concerned to see when Passover actually was, and I find by a careful reading that it seems as though the lamb was slaughtered late on the afternoon of the 14th Nisan, and the Passover celebrated a few hours later as Nisan 15 started, and then the Israelites left that very night, once the Egyptians discovered the death of their firstborn.
They would hardly wait a day to go, from the 14th to the 15th, and scripture tells us they left on the night of the 15th.
My next move was to check the Gospel accounts, and I find a problem, the timing of the meal and therefore the death of our Lord differs in John's Gospel, he has Jesus' death as around the time of the slaughter of the lambs in the Temple, late afternoon on the 14th.The other Gospels have the death occurring some hours earlier.
If my memory serves, the Society have resolved this anomaly, but it troubles me as to when actually Jesus celebrated his special meal with the disciples.
If we are to celebrate on our own, or in a small group as I would prefer, we do need to get the whole thing clear in our minds and our hearts..
I hope I am not complicating things, and I think with a little more digging I may resolve this for myself, but I would value your thoughts, if you have the time.
Thanks once again for your hard work and for sharing your thoughts with us.
Comment by JohnAmos on 2014-02-25 08:50:15
Quote- According to the Jewish procedure and often stated principles of the Governing Body as to this being done on Nisan 14 after sundown, we see from evidence that Sunday April 13th, and not Monday April 14, is the correct date.- End quote
I feel that all this is a bit extreme to be so technical. If you’re going to go so far as to show when the right time is to observe the memorial then wouldn’t everyone around the world out side of Israel’s time zone have to have their memorial at the same time that coincides with Israel’s time zone. For example, for me here in the U.S., I wouldn’t need to wait until sundown here on Nisan 14, but instead have it in the daytime based at a time knowing how many hours ahead Israel’s sundown is to me. If I wait until my sundown time then the precise time in question would have past in the time zone where Jesus and his disciples actually observed it.Reply by imjustasking on 2014-02-25 17:23:35
I would tend to agree with you JohnAmos. To me the discussion is a little fastidious about getting THE EXACT time. Moses allowed a little latitude for celebrating the Passover and Paul warned about scrupulously observing new moons (Col 2:16).
What really matters is our PARTAKING as Meleti so eloquently reasoned. I'm sure 2000 years removed from the event, Jesus and our Father are more concerned that we shoe due respect by actually partaking as per his instructions.
Lets imagine that we celebrated birthdays. Would you be annoyed with your child if they came with a gift a day late or earlier? Hardly. So would Jesus who knows the predicament many of us are in, for even daring to partake be more concerned with a few ticks around the clock? I struggle to see how he would be.
That's me, and I accept that I may be wrong.Reply by smolderingwick1 on 2014-02-26 03:15:02
Well I still maintain that if we all sang the Hallel Psalms before consuming four cups of wine each, our departure to the Mount of Olives wouldn't have us agonizing over the exact station of the moon. Passover was to be a happy, joyous time as should be our memorial of the last supper.
In Christ,
swReply by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-02-26 04:26:41
smoldering...If you'll just lead us all off to sing the Hallel Psalms, we can all join in and practice. What size is that wine glass?
You sure made my day!! Thank you.
Reply by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-02-26 09:22:39
I second the idea of four glasses of wine :)
SW1-
I believe that getting the date as accurate as we can is important. The GB does as well but apparently the date they have come up with not as accurate as they will have us believe.
I agree that Jesus does not want us agonizing over the exactness of the time he instituted the meal. Commemorating the occasion is far more important.
Reply by smolderingwick1 on 2014-02-26 11:48:49
BTW there were 6 Hallel songs to be sung, psalms 113 through 118 and the cups were to be consumed intermittently (no size inticated), so I doubt they got wasted.... maybe a little sleepy (which they were) and with no traffic or breathalyzers they were pretty safe. Now let's remember Jesus first miracle :)
Comment by In Need of Grace on 2014-02-25 18:11:20
I agree ;) In fact there is a lot of evidence that early christians part took every sunday. I would like to see your perspective on once a year/ versus as often as you gather.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-02-25 18:36:31
If there is a lot of evidence, then you really should submit it for our research.
Comment by Bobcat on 2014-02-26 00:53:48
I posted research on the subject of a weekly Memorial here:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/bible/274557/1/The-Lords-Evening-Meal-How-Often#4956816
1Cor 11:17-20 (which leads into Paul's recounting of the Lord's Evening Meal) is actually about divisions at the Corinthians meetings. Paul goes on to say that, "therefore," under those circumstances, "it is not possible to eat the Lord's Evening Meal."
The implication is that the Corinthians were having it as a regular feature of their weekly gathering (cmp 1 Cor 16:1, 2).
Comment by on 2014-02-26 13:47:45
Meleti forgive my ignorance im obviously missing something here but i had a look on a few jewish websites for the dates of the passover and some date it at april 14 and others april 15 ignoring april 13 im confused kev
Reply by Alex Rover on 2014-02-26 21:59:47
I'd like to see some expounding upon this question also. Wouldn't Jews know best when passover is supposed to be?
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-02-27 09:18:04
Wouldn't scientists know best that evolution is a fact? Wouldn't the vast, vast majority of Christians know that the true nature of god is as a trinity?
What counts is the math and the astronomical data. The new moon occurs on march 30 not March 31, so why count Nisan 1 on April 1?Reply by on 2014-02-27 14:09:28
Thanks meleti for the explaination its nice to be able to openly express doubts without .people taking offence and kicking me out kev
Comment by In Need of Grace on 2014-02-26 14:46:59
Ok here is my research for the group's consideration. As I said in my statement earlier I said that I believe strongly that the early church observed Jesus's death every Lord's day. I gather this info from historical documents written by the early Christians. While the bible is the ultimate authority, looking at what people who were contemporaries and disciples of the apostles or people close to that era did can give us a deeper appreciation of scripture.
Below I will share some quotes from writings from the early Church.
How often?
- Didache or The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles (A.D. 90 - 120)
"But every Lord's day do ye gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure."
this document suggests they observed it every Lord's day, aka every 1st day of the week (Sunday)
- First Apology of Justin Martyr (155-157 AD)
"And we afterwards continually remind each other of these things. And the wealthy among us help the needy; and we always keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Ghost. And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons."
Again, weekly, on Sunday.
- Ignatius (debate over when it was written)
"come together in common . . . breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality and the antidote which prevents us from dying"
Later in his work it becomes clear that for him coming together is the same as coming together for worship as christians. No date is mentioned, but it suggests every time christians meet for formal worship.
- Irenaeus (120 - 202)
"thus it is, therefore, also His will that we, too, should offer a gift at the altar, frequently and without intermission" (Against Heresies, 4.18.6)
He speaks about the Lord's supper as an offering of ourselves to God through Jesus Christ. He says Frequently and without intermission. This too suggests more then once a year for sure...
I could quote more, but I think we get the picture.
Hilariously enough, the first mention I found about a yearly passover only, was from a Jewish-Christian cult called the Ebionites. This is what was written about them as a critique by Iraenius (early second century)
5.1.3. Vain also are the Ebionites, who do not receive by faith into their soul the union of God and man, but who remain in the old leaven of [the natural] birth, and who do not choose to understand that the Holy Ghost came upon Mary, and the power of the Most High did overshadow her: wherefore also what was generated is a holy thing, and the Son of the Most High God the Father of all, who effected the incarnation of this being, and showed forth a new [kind of] generation; that as by the former generation we inherited death, so by this new generation we might inherit life.
Therefore do these men reject the commixture of the heavenly wine, and wish it to be water of the world only, not receiving God so as to have union with Him, but they remain in that Adam who had been conquered and was expelled from Paradise: not considering that as, at the beginning of our formation in Adam, that breath of life which proceeded from God, having been united to what had been fashioned, animated the man, and manifested him as a being endowed with reason; so also, in [the times of] the end, the Word of the Father and the Spirit of God, having become united with the ancient substance of Adam’s formation, rendered man living and perfect, receptive of the perfect Father, in order that as in the natural [Adam] we all were dead, so in the spiritual we may all be made alive. For never at any time did Adam escape the harms of God, to whom the Father speaking, said, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." And for this reason in the last times (fine), not by the will of the flesh, nor by the will of man, but by the good pleasure of the Father, His hands formed a living man, in order that Adam might be created [again] after the image and likeness of God.
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As a funny sidenote, we are the ONLY major christian church who only does it once a year:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist
Compare the habbits in the chart there
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I definitely believe we shouldnt be legalistic about it, but remember when and how often we do it, we should recall what it means. The above is just to present as food for meditation, not as replacement for scripture in any sense.Reply by smolderingwick1 on 2014-02-26 15:47:28
Hello and much appreciated, In Need of Grace,
Personally I have difficulty with the Didache since it reads more like the Catechism which employed the rigidity of ritual over the heart tested qualities of the spirit.
For example on prayer it quotes the Lord's prayer: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever," and then states: "Pray this three times each day."
On baptism it says: "baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, IN LIVING WATER (caps mine). But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before."
The Didache issue was addressed some years back on another forum by a former JW who returned to the Catholic church because he now believes the early church fathers were just as inspired as those in the Bible canon.
With you in Christ,
sw
Comment by JohnAmos on 2014-02-26 16:02:33
Proverbs 27:17 By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another.
Comment by In Need of Grace on 2014-02-26 16:06:50
Oh yeah, I read many of the writings of the early church, and some of it is indeed a bit iffy ;)
But if all the writings point to the same, there might be something to it.
After all we had no problem pointing out to the idea that the early christians didn't participate in politics or wars, nor did they participate in birthdays and christmas lights, etc. I find it then strange, that we would have a hard tine accepting something which points to the other direction.
The reason why I do attach some credit to the early church writings is because these were written by men who were responsible for keeping the bible together as we have it. If we distrust them all together, we have to question if they even made a qualified call to begin with to select the inspired writings.
They themselves were humble enough to realize they weren't inspired, they were humble, died for their faith as maryrs, and quoted so much out of the bible that in fact you nearly could reconstruct the whole new testament out of their writings.
I actually feel in these instances, what they write is in accord w the bible. And the idea that the first ones to write about holding the memorial only once a year are called heretics and legalists is not a good sign ;)
Comment by emilyjeff on 2014-02-27 11:14:01
I found this information on another site. It is part of a letter written by Ray Franz to a brother who brought up the topic to him. For myself I find the writings of brother Franz to be quite spiritual and balanced. I just thought some of you might be interested in his take on the Lord’s evening meal.
“In our celebration, we gather in the evening for a regular meal and then follow this with a commemorating of the Lord’s evening meal, which we generally do while still sitting around the dinner table. It is informal but enjoyable and meaningful. I think of the fact that even the Passover was not celebrated at the temple (though each family’s lamb was sacrificed there) but was held in homes, something that was true of early Christian’s commemorating of the Lord’s evening meal. The simplicity, accessibility, and every-day nature of the emblems Christ employed also seem notable. They had nothing of the unusual or exotic or “special,” since they were common items on the daily table, not some kind of special “sabbath” food. Similarly Christ’s ransom sacrifice is open to all, and our partaking of his “body” and “blood” is not something done on Sundays but an everyday, all-day matter, carried out by showing faith in our ordinary, daily affairs of life.
As regards the time for celebrating the Lord’s evening meal, we have customarily celebrated the meal on the date of the Jewish passover, but not as viewing that as a require date. It would seem that the important thing is the celebrating of the meal, not the precise day. We really have no way of knowing what day Jesus would recognize today as the “correct” date corresponding to Passover.
Actually, there really is not much Biblical proof that Christians celebrated it only on a yearly basis. The apostle Paul quotes Jesus as saying, “Keep doing this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25) As a Witness, I used to try to explain away the expression “often” by referring to Hebrews 9:25, where the word “often” appears again in the English New World Translation, used there in connection with the high priest’s entry into the Most Holy, which took place once a year on atonement day. But a person familiar with Greek pointed out to me that in the Greek original two different words are used for the “often” in 1 Corinthians and that at Hebrews 9. The one in Hebrews 9 means essentially “a number of times” but that in 1 Corinthians is much more indefinite (or broader and looser), and has the sense of “whenever.” He also pointed out that it is generally believed that Paul arrived first in Corinth about 50 A.D. and the account in Acts shows he spent a minimum of eighteen months there (Acts 18:11), possibly longer (Acts 18:18), so he left there in late 51 or early 52 A.D. His first letter to Corinthians is believed to have been written about the spring of 55 A.D. In that letter he rebukes them for their conduct in connection with the Lord’s evening meal (chapter 11:17-22), showing that some were viewing it as if it were an ordinary meal and giving no true significance to the emblems. If the celebration of the meal was done only once a year it seems incredible that, after having celebrated it only four or five times at the most (from 50 to 55 A.D.), and perhaps only three times since Paul’s departure, they could possibly slip so quickly into such an attitude. A once-a-year celebration would have made the event an unusual, uncommon one. On the other hand if they were celebrating it not on an annual basis but more often, they might have celebrated it dozens or scores of times in those few years. That would more reasonably explain how some had come to take the attitude that Paul rebukes. Some suggest that when Christians had their agapes or gatherings of fellowship that they kept the Lord’s evening meal along with their regular meal. Nothing dogmatic can be stated.”
Comment by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-02-27 12:10:19
Hello all,
I have read the comments and information posted. There is no certainty , based on the scriptures, that the First century Christians celebrated the Lord’s evening meal more than a year. We do know that than the Lord’s evening meal replaced the Passover which was celebrated once a year.
While it is interesting to read , I am not sure if secular sources should be our guide in making the decision as to whether we should celebrate it more than once. I see alot of “if” “maybe” and “possibly” in this line of reasoning……
Comment by In Need of Grace on 2014-02-27 13:54:49
Hey GWiT
I hear you. That being said, while there is a parallel between the passover, nowhere did Jesus say when you need to observe it. Add the biblical info we have off Paul's account, and the direction leans more towards a more regular observance.
You would think that if Jesus would'v told them once a year, there would have been SOME record of any Christian denomination doing so, especially in the early church? Yet the only record found was of a Christian Judean sect who was looked very negatively upon at the time, whereas all the other records indicate a weekly communion.
And what you call secular sources was written down by people who laid down their life for Jesus, and some directly instructed by the apostles. I'm not saying they replace scripture in any way, but they can help us understand what was going on in the first few centuries. Reading the bible in it's accurate cultural and historical perspective is important in my point of view.
Comment by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-02-27 15:46:36
In Need Of Grace-
The sources you cite are secular in the sense that they are non-biblical. I did not imply that is was not important just that it is not as important as what the Bible says .
As far as other Christian denominations/sects and the early church…. I don’t believe that in deciding, from scripture, they set the precedence as to how often we should commemorate either.
The Bible simply does not tell us how often to commemorate. So there is uncertainty. Jesus did not say how often but he certainly could have instituted the Lord’s evening meal on any other night but he chose Passover. My view is that the Passover Celebration sets the precedence. That’s just my opinion.Reply by on 2014-02-28 04:01:49
I must admit in some respects it does seem logical to do it at the passover For christ our passover lamb has been sacrificed therefor let us keep the festival not with the old yeast .......but with the bread pf sincerity and truth 1 corinthians 5 v 7 and 8 .Although the emphasis of these verses is about association and removing wickedness from our midst . Paul seems to be saying that in some way we have to keep the festival of the passover wether that metaphorically speaking im not sure but a festival is a feast connected to some religious significance and its likely this is what paul was refering to when he said at verse 11 with such a man do not even eat this may give us an indication of when to celebrate but its not clear kev c
Comment by menrov on 2014-03-02 13:47:57
I tend to agree with GWIT and as Jesus is our Passover Lamb, it does make sense that the remembrance happens around the same time as the original Passover. What I find a lot more difficult to explain (I actually cannot), is why we should attend if we are in principle not supposed to make use of the bread or wine. I cannot find any scripture or verses that somehow indicates we should all be there as mere spectators. It is not in line with how the Passover was celebrated which was done by ALL.
I do recognize the more family type of remebrance in the bible. Jesus was only with his intimate friends that he treated like his family on earth but did not have the event with say the 70 disciples he sent out or with the big crowd he fed.
Second observation from his week's study article, was the mention of wine types. I was first a bit surprised with the statement that we should obviously assume it was real wine and that a Bordeau, Bourgogne or Cianti was fine. (next year a wine year can be reommended :-)).. I am not convinced tht Jesus drank a wine like we know it. I did some research on this subject and to common and very acceptable view is that likely the wine used was a very light wine, say 3% alcohol. Jesus would never use a drink that could influence his state of mind, in particular as he drank more than one cup that day. Alcohol is not forbidden but throughout the Greek scriptures, it is recommended to use wine (alcohol) sensibly and to be cautious.
Like I try to explain to my wife (not easy), it is ok if as an organisation you have a certain view, but do not bevso explicit and jump to conclusions. I can accepts if it was said that it is not clear what wine was actually used, if at all, but we believe this type of wine was used. That would show some modesty but I guess we all know that modesty is not something that fits the WT organisation.
Comment by GodsWordisTruth on 2014-03-02 15:15:20
I agree Merov...
I was annoyed at this whole WT. They say ignorance is bliss... Maybe it is in some respects It is.
I agree that observers should stay at home. Why come? Perhaps the GB/WT doesn't want to make the " great crowd" Christians to feel left out?
The Bible is written for the 144,000 ,Jesus died for the 144,000 ( until 1935 when Rutherford discovered the Great crowd) The preaching commission was given to the 144,000 (the great crowd help out) . We the "great crowd" or " other sheep" are rewarded with inheriting the earth as long as we support the 144,000 get to heaven.
As Meleti stated before... partaking of the Lord's evening meal is not a passport to heaven, so even if they believe the majority of Christians will not go to heaven why doesn't Jesus' command apply to all?
Comment by on 2014-03-07 14:28:36
The first of two new moons in March:
http://astrologyking.com/wp-content/uploads/new-moon-march-2014.jpg
Comment by pearldoxsey on 2014-03-09 22:38:23
Regarding how often,
Note Luke22:8,11,13,15,20. There Jesus speaks of a “New Covenant”. The apostles were Jews, who knew that the Passover was a symbol of the Law Covenant (symbolized by Hagar -Gal.4:24). These first century Jews would have understood that this Passover would now represent something new. It would provide, a new Mother Covenant…”Jerusalem above” (symbolized by Sarah -Gal.4:26)
The symbols of Christ’s sacrificial death (Lamb, unleavened bread, wine), were still associated with the Passover (1Cor.5:7; 2Chron.35:11; John1:29).
Paul said, “As often as you come together to eat THIS bread and drink THIS cup” (1Cor.11:23,24,25,26).
How often did the Jews come together to eat this unleavened bread? That particular ceremonial bread and cup were known to be, for the Passover only.
It was for the salvation of the “firstborn” of Israel, that the Passover was conducted (Heb.11:28). The “Israel” of God are the spiritual “firstborn” (Heb.12:23; James1:18; Rom.8:23; Rev.14:4; 20:4,5,6). Christ fulfilled the promises, prophesied by the Passover symbols. By that fulfillment, he replaced it with a new meaning….He became the Passover Lamb for the forgiveness of sins (for the “first resurrection” of firstfruits…those chosen, and faithful -Rev.20:6).
This cleansing forgiveness is a basic requirement to reign with Christ, so that the entire creation can be reconciled and restored through their ministry (2Cor.5:17-20; John13:20; Rom.8:19; Rev.22:17).Reply by Alex Rover on 2014-03-10 23:05:34
Hi Pearl,
Nice to see you here. I have skimmed over your blog in the past, hope to see you more often.
Comment by omionmen on 2014-03-21 03:04:33
@ Meleti
Will one be following apostolic precedence if he holds memorial at home privately in view of
Acts 20:7 and 1Cor 11:20,21,
Acts 20:7 MSG
We met on Sunday to worship and celebrate the Master’s Supper. Paul addressed the congregation. Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning, but Paul talked on,
(1 Corinthians 11:20-22 MSG
And then I find that you bring your divisions to worship—you come together, and instead of eating the Lord’s Supper, you bring in a lot of food from the outside and make pigs of yourselves. Some are left out, and go home hungry. Others have to be carried out, too drunk to walk. I can’t believe it! Don’t you have your own homes to eat and drink in? Why would you stoop to desecrating God’s church? Why would you actually shame God’s poor? I never would have believed you would stoop to this. And I’m not going to stand by and say nothing.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-03-21 10:25:46
The only reason for celebrating the memorial privately would be if there is no one else to celebrate it with.
Comment by Chris on 2014-03-25 19:25:12
Are you sure about when we should partake? Even the Jewish Calendars have Nisan 14 on April 14th
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-03-25 20:51:05
No. Though our calendar and the Jewish one coincide this year, there are other years where the dates didn't coincide. However, if Nisan 1 marks the first new moon after the spring equinox, then that has to be March 30, not March 31.
Comment by Chris on 2014-04-14 17:50:13
Why Sunday the 13th. Even the Jewish calendar this year has Passover this Monday?
Comment by Chris on 2014-04-15 09:57:03
I actually partook at the Memorial Last night April 14, 2014. My heart was pounding, but I was able to do it and no one said anything about it. :D
Reply by Alex Rover on 2014-04-15 10:03:45
Hey Chris, I know the heart pounding feel, and it doesn't get old year after year. I feel all the eyes on me when I take of the symbols like burning laser lights. At that very moment, I conquer the fear of men and take refuge in Jehovah.
These scriptures helped me yesterday:
From the Psalms:
6 Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid.+
What can man do to me?+
7 Jehovah is on my side as my helper;*+
I will look in triumph on those who hate me.+
8 It is better to take refuge in Jehovah
Than to trust in humans.+
And before the memorial I re-read this:
Matthew 10
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[c]
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.Reply by Chris on 2014-04-15 14:44:56
I was so nervous. I sat at the front near the side. I don't think anyone but the person next to me was excited to see me do it and the server but it was awesome. I haven't felt this good since my baptism.
Comment by When to Commemorate the 2015 Memorial | Beroean Pickets on 2015-03-06 11:48:38
[…] ways to calculate the date of the anniversary of the Lord’s Last Supper. (See “Do This in Remembrance of Me” and “This Is to Be a Memorial […]