Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Observe the Lord's Supper Diifferentl'y From the Way Other Religions Do?

 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.  (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.

Purpose

The purpose of the Lord's Evening Meal is to remember Jesus, showing our gratitude fo rhis sacrifice in our behalf. ( Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 11:24) The observance is not a sacrament, or a religious practice that imparts merit such as grace or the forgiveness of sins.  The Bible teached  us that our sins can be forgiven,  not by a religious rite, but only through faith in Jesus. - ROMANS 3:25; 1 CORINTHIANA 2:1, 2. 

How often?

Jesus commanded his disciplles to commemorate the Lord's Evening Meal, but he did not specifically say how often.  (Luke 22:19)  Some feel  that it should be monthly, while others observe it weekly, daily, several times each day, or as often as a person feels is appropriate.  However, here are some factors that should be considered. 

Jesus instituted the Lord's Evening Meal on the date of the Jewish Passover, and he died later that same day.  (Matthjew  26:1, 2)  This was no coincidence.  The Scriptures compare Jesus' sacrifice to that  of the Passover Lamb. (1  Corinthians 5:7, 8) The Passover was observed once each year.  (Exodus 12:1-6; Leviticus 23:5)  Likewise,the Memorial of Jesus' death was observed one each year by the early Christians, and  Jehovah's Witnesses follow that Bible-based pattern. 

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