JEHOVAH IS A GOD OF COVENANTS

ON THE night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus celebrated the Passover with his 12 apostles.  Since he knew that this would be his final meal with them and that he would soon die at the hands of his enemies, Jesus took advantage of the occasion to explain many important matters to his closest disciples. - John 13:1-17:26. 

It was at this time that, after dismissing Judas Iscariot, Jesus instituted the only annual religious observance commanded for Christians the memorial of his death, which is the Passover.  The record says:  "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.' Also he took a cup and, having given thanks, he 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.' " (Matthew 26:26-28) Jesus' followers were to memorialize his death in a simple, dignified manner. And Jesus referred  to a covenant in connect with his death. In the account in Luke, it is called "the new covenant." -Luke 22:36.

What is the new covenant?  If it is the new covenant, does that mean tha tthere is an old covenant?  Are any other covenants related to it?  These are the important questions because Jesus said that the blood of the covenant would be poured out "for forgiveness of sins."  All of us desperately need such forgiveness. -Romans 3:23. 

Next time: A Covenant With Abraham

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998