![]() ( Exodus 12:1-6 Leviticus 23:5 ) Likewise, the Memorial of Jesus’ death was observed once each year by the early Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses follow that Bible-based pattern.’ ( 1 Corinthians 5:7,8 ) The Passover was observed once each year. The Scriptures compare Jesus’ sacrifice to that of the Passover lamb. ( Matthew 26:1,2 ) This was no coincidence. ‘ Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal on the date of the Jewish Passover, and he died later that same day. This is how the Watch Tower arrives at many of its doctrinal peculiarities, by sometimes convoluted extrapolations, having no foundation in Christian Scripture, speaking when the text is silent. Neither mention anything to do with frequency in addressing themselves to people unfamiliar with Jewish custom. It may be argued the early disciples would have known to celebrate the Lord’s Evening Meal annually on Nisan 14…but who told the gentiles? Neither Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles who, in 1 Corinthians 11 wrote at length on the subject, nor Luke, the Evangelist to the gentiles who quoted Jesus from multiple sources, mention it. The New Testament says nothing specific concerning the frequency of communion services it is not mandated, though a pattern may be detected from apostolic and post-apostolic sources. On their website the Watch Tower claim, ‘The Memorial of Jesus’ death was observed once each year by the early Christians.’ This is not borne out by the evidence. They quibble over terminology, what we call the table they argue over timing, the frequency with which we come to the table they quarrel over purpose, what we do at the table and why they severely restrict participation, who may approach the table. (1 Corinthians 11:20 King James Version) In contrast, many beliefs and practices of other denominations in connection with this observance are not based on the Bible.’ ‘ 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. On their website the Watch Tower insists: There was a solemn atmosphere, everyone having dressed up especially for the occasion, a prepared talk was delivered, and a ceremony took place in which no one participated, and everyone packed up and went home, apparently very satisfied.įundamentalist and cultic groups spend more time comparing and contrasting themselves with others they consider apostate than anything else. My wife and I, many years ago, attended one such occasion and it seemed to me the strangest non-event I have ever seen. Of course, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate Easter in any meaningful way. The cross is pagan sacraments are out of order once-a-week, once-a-month? Pshaw! Local bakery bread? Not on their table grape juice? Not in their cups All who believe invited? Well yes, but just to look on. It’s an opportunity to point out to everyone else that we’re getting just about everything wrong…again. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, Easter is a special time of year. ![]()
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