A CONVERSATION WITH A NEIGHBOR

Why Commemorate the Death of Jesus?

The following is  a conversation that one of Jehovah's Witnesses might have with a neighbor.  Let us imagine that a Witness named Megan has called at the home of a woman named Shirley. 

"KEEP DOING THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME"

Megan: Hi, Shirley. It was so good to see you at the Memorial of the death of Jesus Christ last week.  What did you think of the meeting? 

Shirley:  I enjoyed being there, but I must admit that I didn't fully understand everything that was said. I've heard of people celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and his resurrection at Easter, but I've never hard of anyone commemorating his death.

Megan: It's true, Christmas and Easter are popular celebrations around the world, but Jehovah's Witnesses feel that it's important to memorialize the death of Jesus. If you have a few minutes, I would be glad to review the reasons for this. 

Shirley: Sure, I have some time. 

Megan: Basically, Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate the death of Jesus because he instructed his followers to do so. Consider what happened on the night before Jesus died.  Do you recall hearing about a special meal that he shared with his faithful followers? 

Shirley: You mean the Last Supper?

Megan: Exactly.  It's also called the Lord's Evening Meal. During that meal, Jesus gave his followers clear instructions. Would you please read his words recorded here at Luke 22:19? 

Shirley: OK.  "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.' " 

Megan: Thank you. Notice Jesus; instructions in the final sentence of that verse:  "Keep doing this in remembrance of me." And right before instructing his followers to remember him, Jesus made it clear what they were to remember about him. He said that his life would be given in behalf of his followers. Jesus expressed this thought in similar terms, as recorded at Matthew 20:18, That verse reads:  "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."  In a nutshell, that is why Jehovah's Witnesses gather each year on the anniversary of the death of Jesus-to remember the ransom sacrifice that Jesus offered.  His death can mean life for all obedient humans. 

Next time: A CONVERSATION WITH A NEIGHBOR -Why Commemorate the Death  of Jesus? -WHY WAS A RANSOM NEEDED? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015