jgnat	Re: Taking apart the Memorial
	The memorial talk: CELEBRATING THE LORD’S EVENING MEAL Song No. 87. Opening prayer WHY FITTING FOR US TO BE HERE AT MEMORIAL? (8 min.) The Memorial is a meal commemorating the death of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:26) It is fitting to memorialize Jesus’ death because of all it accomplished in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose, namely- (1) The vindication of Jehovah’s name By his faithfulness to death, Jesus proved that a perfect human could keep perfect integrity under severe pressure, thus showing that Jehovah was just in requiring perfect obedience from Adam (2) The sacrificial basis for the new covenant (Luke 22:20) Those who are brought into new covenant are to be with Christ in heavenly Kingdom (John 14:2, 3; Hebrews 9:15) (3) The ransoming of Adam’s offspring, making it possible for a "little flock" to rule with Christ in heaven and for other faithful humans to live forever in paradise on earth (Matt. 20:28; Luke 12:32; John 3:16; Luke 23:42, 43) Why should commemoration of his death be observed annually? Died on occasion of annual celebration of Jewish Passover Passover came on Nisan 14 of ancient Hebrew calendar So, Memorial is held after sundown, Nisan 14 {about full moon) Unleavened bread and wine are symbols to be used in remembrance of Christ’s death Last year __ attended around earth, but ___ partook Why so few partakers? How does this relate to your hope? VALUE OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL (9 min.) Jesus’ ransom sacrifice provides for two destinies (1 John 2:2) A limited number, 144,000, go to heaven (Rev. 14:3, 4) These are ones taken into new covenant They are also in a covenant that Christ makes with them to rule in his heavenly Kingdom (Luke 22:29, 30) Anointed with spirit, so know they are called ones (Rom. 8:16, 17, 30) Apostle John was of that special group-"our sins" (1 John 2:2a) Jehovah will also have worshipers living forever on earth Spoken of as "other sheep"; not in "little flock" (John 10:16; Luke 12:32) These benefit from the new covenant, but me not in it; therefore they should not partake as anointed ones do. They are repentant part of the world of mankind who accept Jesus’ sacrifice and have their sins covered (1 John 2:2b; Rev. 7:14) Al1 in attendance need faith in Jesus’ sin-atoning sacrifice to get life THE EMBLEMS-REMINDERS OF WHAT? (8 min.) Beneficial to examine events when this celebration instituted Matthew 26:17-19: Disciples prepared for Passover meal Obtained needed unleavened bread, wine, arranged for lamb (John 13:21-30) Matthew 26:20-25: Jesus celebrated last valid Passover, after which he dismissed unfaithful Judas (John 13:21-30) Matthew 26:26: Instituted new celebration-Memorial of his death He, the Lamb of God, used bread and wine then present (Luke 22: 17, 18) Jesus gave unleavened bread to eleven faithful apostles Stood for fleshly body, uncontaminated by sin (1 Cor. 5:6-8; Heb. 7:26) Bread was of whole grain flour and water, with no additives or leaven table Christ's bones not to be broken, so his 'breaking' bread was just to pass it to disciples around the table. Apostles could partake, for they accepted his sacrifice and looked forward to place in heavenly Kingdom (2 Tim. 2:12) Matthew 26:27, 28: Circulated cup of red wine among apostles Plain red wine, without spices or drugs, represented his blood Was "precious blood," for it made possible "forgiveness of sins" and provided sacrificial basis for new covenant (1 Pet 1:19) Apostles could partake, for were to be in new covenant with prospect of being co rulers in heaven with Jesus As they kept celebration each year, the wine would remind them of Jesus' sacrificial death Matthew 26:30: Ended commemoration with song Most here, if not all, are not in new covenant with heavenly hope, but look for everlasting life on a paradise earth Appreciate the value of Jesus' sacrifice (body and b1ood)-a ransom for all (Matt. 20:28; 1 John 2:2) Even though there may be no one partaking of emblems locally, it is right that those with earthly hopes be here and observe commemoration ACTUAL CELEBRATION OF LORD'S EVENING MEAL (10 min.) Read 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24: Qualified brother (of anointed if available and able) offers prayer and then the bread is passed Read 1 Corinthians 11:25, 26: Another qualified brother (preferably of anointed) prays and then the wine is passed [Optional whether speaker comments during serving of emblems] BENEFIT FROM THIS MEMORIAL CELEBRATION (10 min.) Reminds us: A privilege to honor Jehovah as Universal Sovereign, and Jesus (John 522, 23) We can be grateful to God for providing Jesus as his Vindicator and as our Ransomer. Many here have proved gratefulness by becoming active Christian Witnesses; others can work toward that goal Regularly associating at Christian meetings is a means of growing spiritually (can mention other meetings) If you are not yet a baptized Witness, we will be happy to help you to progress so you can show that you do not forget the meaning of Jesus' blood and body Invite qualified Christians to share in field service this week All of us need to be faithful to the end, as Jesus was Those anointed with spirit and called to heavenly life must keep that reward in mind, not tiring Other faithful ones will receive reward of life on earth, possibly without ever dying (Rev. 7:9, 10, 14) Trust God to help us conquer and gain reward (John 16:33) Concluding song, No. 105. Final prayer [For further helpful information, see The Watchtower, February 15, 1985, pages 10-21, and Reasoning From the Scriptures, pages 266-269] TO BE COVERED IN 45 Minutes
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