Matthew 7:28-29<\/strong> \u2014 When Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching, for he was teaching them as a person having authority, and not as their scribes.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> Because that way of commemorating his death was in harmony with his way of teaching. Jesus did not need to complicate an explanation in order to convey a deep truth. Similarly, the Memorial does not need an elaborate ceremony to remind us of something as important as his sacrifice. This helps us avoid confusing simplicity with a lack of value: a simple celebration can teach us much about our King.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> It is logical because Jesus wanted his disciples to understand what they were remembering. We can all easily describe what happens at the Memorial, but understanding the ceremony does not mean that we have already grasped everything it teaches us. As we reflect on it, we can better appreciate Jesus\u2019 qualities. So rather than looking for complexity in the celebration, it is wise to explore its meaning more deeply.<\/p> Answer 1:<\/strong> We will examine Jesus\u2019 humility, courage, and love. The Lord\u2019s Evening Meal and the things he did and said enable us to appreciate these qualities. The purpose is not merely to admire him more, but to discover how to become more like him in our way of thinking and in how we treat others.<\/p> Answer 2:<\/strong> The three qualities are his humility, courage, and love. It is very significant that such a simple celebration helps us to know our heavenly King better. When we relate it to his conduct and teachings, we can better understand what kind of person he is and feel even closer to him.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> We will study how Jesus showed humility, courage, and love, and what we can do to imitate him. This approach makes the study very practical. It is not merely a matter of remembering what the first Lord\u2019s Evening Meal was like, but of allowing Jesus\u2019 example to influence our own conduct.<\/p> Matthew 26:26-28<\/strong> \u2014 As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: \u201cTake, eat. This means my body.\u201d And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: \u201cDrink out of it, all of you, for this means my \u2018blood of the covenant,\u2019 which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> It was not complicated because Jesus used the unleavened bread and the wine that were left over from the Passover. He was with the 11 faithful apostles and explained what those two symbols represented: his perfect body and his blood. No elaborate ceremony was needed to convey such a profound teaching. This helps us focus our attention on the sacrifice he was about to offer.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> The unleavened bread represented Jesus\u2019 perfect body, and the wine represented his blood. What mattered was not the complexity of the preparations, but what those symbols taught the apostles. Jesus would soon give his life for them. When we see the bread and wine at the Memorial, we too can gratefully think about what he was willing to give in our behalf.<\/p> Luke 10:40-42<\/strong> \u2014 Martha, on the other hand, was distracted with attending to many duties. So she came to him and said: \u201cLord, does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone to attend to things? Tell her to come and help me.\u201d In answer the Lord said to her: \u201cMartha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things. A few things, though, are needed, or just one. For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.\u201d<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> Jesus kindly explained to her that it was not always necessary to prepare an elaborate meal. Martha wanted to care well for an important guest, but so many tasks were distracting her from listening to him. Months later, Jesus applied that same criterion when instituting the Memorial. Although his death would have extraordinary importance, he did not prepare a complicated celebration. His example helps us distinguish between taking care of necessary preparations and losing sight of spiritual matters.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> The counsel to Martha shows that Jesus did not expect to be honored with extensive preparations. He valued attention to his teachings. So it is not surprising that when he established the way to remember his death, he chose something simple. There is a beautiful consistency between what he taught and what he did. We can imitate him by giving greater importance to the spiritual meaning of the Memorial than to external details.<\/p> Philippians 2:5-8<\/strong> \u2014 Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God\u2019s form, did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave\u2019s form and became human. More than that, when he came as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> It teaches us that Jesus was not proud. He knew that he was about to offer the greatest sacrifice in history and that Jehovah would make him King in heaven. Even so, he did not ask for a complex celebration that would improperly draw attention to him. He chose a simple and appropriate ceremony. That decision enables us to appreciate that his humility was genuine and was reflected even in the way he wanted to be remembered.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> Philippians 2:5-8 shows that humility characterized Jesus\u2019 entire course of life. He was willing to leave his heavenly position, live as a human, and obey to the point of death. Thus, the simplicity of the Memorial was not an isolated decision. It fit perfectly with his way of thinking. To imitate him, we too want humility to influence our decisions, not just what we say about ourselves.<\/p> Philippians 2:3-4<\/strong> \u2014 Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> We can put the welfare of our brothers ahead of our own comfort. Jesus knew that a terrible death awaited him, but he thought about the pain his disciples would feel. Instead of centering the entire conversation on his own suffering, he taught, encouraged, and comforted them. His example invites us to ask ourselves whether, even when we are going through difficulties, we can offer a word of encouragement to someone who is also suffering.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> One way to imitate him is to continue paying attention to what others are feeling. When we have problems, it is easy for our worries to occupy all our thoughts. However, Jesus did not overlook the emotional needs of his apostles. He gave them comfort precisely when he himself was facing an enormous trial. Humility can help us recognize that the pain of others also deserves our attention.<\/p> Luke 22:41-42<\/strong> \u2014 And he withdrew from them about a stone\u2019s throw away, and he bent his knees and began to pray, saying: \u201cFather, if you want to, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.\u201d<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> Jesus was willing to endure both the suffering of execution and the shame of being accused of blasphemy. For someone who deeply loved his Father, that accusation was especially unjust. Even so, he did not turn away from Jehovah\u2019s will. His example demonstrates that courage consists not only in enduring physical pain but also in remaining blameless when others attribute false motives to us or dishonor us.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> He showed courage by putting Jehovah\u2019s name and His right to rule above his own safety. His faithfulness also made it possible for repentant humans to receive everlasting life. Jesus had much more important matters in mind than avoiding immediate suffering. This teaches us that thinking about what our faithfulness to Jehovah means can help us stand firm when we face a trial.<\/p> John 15:12-15<\/strong> \u2014 This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends. You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have called you friends, because I have made known to you all the things I have heard from my Father.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> He explained what he and his Father expected of them so that they would remain faithful and could be with him in heaven. Among other things, they had to love one another just as he had loved them. It would not be enough simply to remember his teachings; they would have to put them into practice. This reminds us that Christian love is not merely a feeling but a disposition to obey and make sacrifices for others.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> He also spoke frankly to them about the trials they would have to face. He did not promise them a life without opposition. He warned them in advance so that when those difficulties came, they would remember his words and not lose faith. That preparation was an expression of his concern for them. We too are strengthened by knowing that trials do not mean that Jehovah or Jesus have stopped caring for us.<\/p> Hebrews 10:33-34<\/strong> \u2014 At times you were publicly exposed both to reproaches and to tribulations, and at times you shared with those who were having such an experience. For you expressed sympathy for those in prison and you accepted joyfully the plundering of your belongings, knowing that you yourselves have a better and an enduring possession.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> They followed Jesus\u2019 example by being willing to suffer in order to help one another. They did not allow fear to isolate them from persecuted brothers. Accompanying and supporting them could have painful consequences, but love moved them to do so. In this way, they showed that they had understood their Teacher\u2019s teachings: Christian courage includes standing by our brothers, not merely enduring firmly the trials that affect us personally.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> They even accepted the loss of their possessions without abandoning their faithfulness. Hebrews explains that they had in mind a better and enduring possession. Their hope helped them avoid considering material things to be the most important. This point is very useful for us: strengthening our hope can give us courage to continue doing what is right, even if that means losing something we value.<\/p> Acts 14:3<\/strong> \u2014 So they spent considerable time speaking with boldness by the authority of Jehovah, who bore witness to the word of his undeserved kindness by allowing signs and wonders to be performed through them.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> One way is to support brothers who are persecuted for their beliefs. The paragraph mentions praying for them and defending them before the authorities, even in court. We do not want to be indifferent to what they suffer. Love and courage move us to do whatever we can to help them. In this way, we show that we consider them part of our spiritual family even when supporting them requires effort.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> We can pray with sincere concern for those who are unjustly imprisoned. Hebrews 13:19 shows that the brothers\u2019 prayers were highly valued. Although we may not always be able to intervene in another way, we should not minimize this form of help. Remembering persecuted ones in our prayers keeps us aware of their needs and helps us avoid allowing fear or distance to make us indifferent.<\/p> Hebrews 12:3<\/strong> \u2014 Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners against their own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> It is good to take time to reflect on the events that led to Jesus\u2019 death. In this way, when we see the bread and wine, we will better understand the sacrifice they represent. Preparation involves more than simply knowing when and where the Memorial will be held. It also includes preparing our heart to appreciate more deeply what Jehovah and his Son have done for us.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> We can meditate on the benefits of the ransom, such as forgiveness of our sins and the hope of everlasting life. The paragraph links these gifts to Ephesians 1:7 and John 3:16. Thinking about how they benefit us and our loved ones deepens our gratitude. It also makes our hope more real, and a stronger hope gives us reasons to endure when difficulties arise.<\/p> Hebrews 7:24-25<\/strong> \u2014 but because he continues alive forever, his priesthood has no successors. So he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> We have learned that the Lord\u2019s Evening Meal reminds us of more than the value of the ransom. Its simplicity reflects Jesus\u2019 humility, and what he did that night demonstrates his courage. Therefore, when we attend the Memorial, we do not merely remember an event from the past. We also come to know our King better and find reasons to trust him and imitate his qualities.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> We have also seen how to show our gratitude: by faithfully obeying the command to commemorate his death. We do so each year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14, and for us it is the most important date of the year. We do not want it to be merely a marked date on the calendar. We want to participate with deep respect and with a grateful heart for all that Jesus\u2019 sacrifice represents.<\/p> John 15:9<\/strong> \u2014 Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> These texts show that Jehovah\u2019s and Jesus\u2019 love was expressed through actions. Jehovah sent his Son, and Jesus was willing to give his life for us. They did not wait for us to take the initiative to love them. Understanding this deepens our gratitude: the ransom is not merely a teaching we know, but an extraordinary demonstration of how much we matter to them.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> Their love benefits both anointed Christians and those who are part of the other sheep. Although they have different hopes, all need Jesus\u2019 sacrifice and receive its benefits. This helps us appreciate what we have in common. At the Memorial, all of us can feel deep gratitude for the same love of Jehovah and his Son, which makes our forgiveness and our hope possible.<\/p> Revelation 2:10<\/strong> \u2014 Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison so that you may be fully put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> He showed love by establishing a simple meal, not a ceremony that was difficult to organize. His anointed followers would have to commemorate his death for many years and under very different circumstances. Some would even be in prison. Jesus\u2019 instructions did not impose an unnecessary burden on them. This allows us to see that his love was manifested both in giving his life and in the considerate way he asked them to remember it.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> The pictures show servants of Jehovah celebrating the Memorial throughout the centuries. Although their circumstances were different, the simplicity of the ceremony enabled them to obey Jesus\u2019 command. This detail highlights his consideration for the disciples. We can imitate him by taking into account the abilities and limitations of our brothers, rather than imposing expectations that unnecessarily make things difficult for them.<\/p> Answer 1:<\/strong> Harold King did everything he could to celebrate the Memorial while he was held incommunicado in a prison in China. He secretly prepared the emblems with whatever was available to him and calculated the date as accurately as he could. When the time came, he sang, prayed, and presented a Bible discourse in his cell. Although he was alone, his determination to obey Jesus remained intact. His example helps us to value this celebration very highly.<\/p> Answer 2:<\/strong> A group of sisters in a concentration camp secretly celebrated the Lord\u2019s Evening Meal, risking their lives. They placed the bread and wine on a bench covered with a white cloth and gathered around it. They used a candle so that electric light would not give them away. The simplicity of the ceremony made it possible for them to celebrate it even there. Their conduct demonstrates the importance they attached to obeying Jesus.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> These brothers and sisters followed Christ\u2019s instructions as best they could with the means available to them. They did not have favorable circumstances, but neither did they allow this to extinguish their desire to remember his death. Both Harold King and those sisters showed initiative and extraordinary faith. Their examples teach us to appreciate the facilities we have and not take for granted the privilege of attending the Memorial.<\/p> 1 Peter 3:8<\/strong> \u2014 Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> We can ask ourselves whether we think more about the needs of our brothers than about our own. It is easy to recognize that Jesus was loving; the challenge is to allow his example to change our priorities. As the Memorial approaches, we can examine whether we are really paying attention to others. Perhaps we need to listen better or show more interest. The important thing is for our gratitude for Jesus\u2019 love to be translated into love for others.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> It is also good to ask ourselves whether we expect too much from others or whether we take their limitations into account. Jesus showed consideration by establishing a simple ceremony. We imitate him when we try to understand what each brother can do, rather than measuring him solely according to our expectations. Empathy helps us treat him with affection and prevents our demands from adding an unnecessary burden to him.<\/p> 1 Corinthians 11:26<\/strong> \u2014 For whenever you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he comes.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> We can be sure that this simple celebration will continue to occupy a cherished place in our memories. It will have helped us appreciate the greatest example of humility, courage, and love ever given by a human. Although the time may come when it is no longer necessary to celebrate it, everything we learned through it will continue to have value. That is why it is worthwhile to take advantage now of every opportunity to deepen our understanding of its meaning.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> The article explains that when Jesus comes during the great tribulation and gathers to heaven the remaining chosen ones on earth, the Memorial will no longer be celebrated. However, those who have celebrated it will be able to speak about it to those living at that time. We can be sure that those memories will benefit them because they will help them appreciate Jesus\u2019 sacrifice and the wonderful qualities he reflected.<\/p> Answer 1:<\/strong> I will strive to imitate the three qualities we have studied, not merely admire them. I want the Memorial to move me to be more humble, to stand firm when obeying Jehovah is difficult, and to treat my brothers with greater love. In this way I will benefit from its meaning right now. Remembering Jesus\u2019 sacrifice will have a real effect on my decisions and on the way I live.<\/p> Answer 2:<\/strong> I want to strive to think more about the needs of others, even when I have worries of my own. Jesus\u2019 example on the night before he died shows me how much words of encouragement and comfort can help. I would like my gratitude for him to be evident in this interest. To achieve that, I will have to avoid allowing my own problems to occupy all my attention and learn to listen better.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> I will strive to strengthen my courage by meditating on the hope I have thanks to the ransom. I do not want to wait until a trial arrives before thinking about all that Jehovah and Jesus have done for me. The Memorial Bible reading can help me deepen that gratitude. I hope this will move me to continue preaching decisively and to support brothers who are suffering persecution.<\/p> Hebrews 7:24-25<\/strong> \u2014 but because he continues alive forever, his priesthood has no successors. So he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them.<\/em> Answer 2:<\/strong> It teaches us that Jesus did not seek to draw undue attention to himself. Although he was going to offer the greatest sacrifice in history, he did not establish a complicated celebration to honor his memory. He chose something simple and full of meaning. This shows that his humility was deep. We can imitate him without seeking prominence or thinking that we need great expressions of recognition for our service to have value.<\/p> Answer 3:<\/strong> The simplicity of the ceremony agrees with Jesus\u2019 entire life. He had left his heavenly position, served others, and was willing to obey to the point of death. He did not need an ostentatious celebration highlighting his importance. His example helps us understand that humility does not depend on having a low position, but on maintaining an obedient attitude and a willingness to serve, regardless of our responsibility.<\/p>
Answer 1:<\/strong> Matthew highlights the effect that Jesus\u2019 teaching had. As the paragraph explains, he conveyed important truths in a clear and easy-to-understand way. So it is logical that he also instituted a simple ceremony to commemorate his death. Its simplicity does not lessen its importance; it helps us focus on its deep meaning.<\/p>1, 2. (b) What qualities of Jesus will we examine?<\/h3>
3. When reading Matthew 26:26-28, why do we say that the Memorial instituted by Jesus was not complicated, and what do the unleavened bread and wine represent?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> Jesus used two simple products: unleavened bread and wine. They represented his perfect body and his blood, which he would offer in their behalf.<\/p>4. What counsel that Jesus gave Martha helps us understand why the Memorial is so simple?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> Jesus helped Martha give priority to spiritual teaching. He later acted in harmony with that counsel when he instituted a simple ceremony.<\/p>5. What does the simplicity of the Memorial teach us about Jesus, and how does this relate to Philippians 2:5-8? (See also the pictures.)<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> His obedience to the point of death demonstrates deep humility. The simple Memorial reflects that same attitude: Jesus did not seek honor through a complicated celebration.<\/p>6. How can we imitate Jesus\u2019 humility when we are going through difficulties?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> We can imitate him by not allowing our problems to make us think only about ourselves. Philippians encourages us to show concern for others as well. Jesus did so on the night before he died: although he knew what he was going to suffer, he took time to strengthen his disciples. His humility was expressed in his attentiveness and help.<\/p>7. How did Jesus show great courage immediately after instituting the Lord\u2019s Evening Meal?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> His prayer shows that he was determined to do Jehovah\u2019s will, although he knew how much he was going to suffer. He did not seek to impose his own will. This conscious obedience demonstrates enormous courage. It teaches us that courage is shown by remaining faithful to God even when doing so is very difficult.<\/p>8. a) What did Jesus tell the faithful apostles?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> Jesus commanded them to love one another, following his example. Thus, he made clear that faithfulness to him had to be reflected in self-sacrificing love among his disciples.<\/p>8. b) During the years after Jesus\u2019 death, how did his disciples show that they continued to follow his example of courage?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> They supported those who were being persecuted and showed compassion for those in prison, even though they too could suffer. Their courage consisted not only in enduring personally but also in not abandoning their brothers when they needed them most.<\/p>9. How can we imitate Jesus\u2019 courage?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> We can imitate him by continuing in the preaching work despite opposition. The account in Acts shows that the disciples spoke with boldness by relying on Jehovah. We too want confidence in him, not the reaction of those who listen to us, to determine our willingness to proclaim the Kingdom message.<\/p>10. What should we do during the weeks before the Memorial, and why?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> We should follow the Memorial Bible reading and meditate on what Jesus endured. Hebrews explains why this benefits us: thinking carefully about his example helps us not to give up. We do not want merely to complete the reading but to allow it to strengthen our gratitude, our hope, and our courage to remain faithful.<\/p>11, 12. What have we seen so far?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> We have seen that Jesus showed humility and courage not only while on earth. He continues to display these qualities as he intercedes for us as High Priest. This passage helps us appreciate his present work and gives us reasons to thank him wholeheartedly both for his sacrifice and for the concern he continues to show for us.<\/p>13. What do John 15:9 and 1 John 4:8-10 say about the love of Jehovah and Jesus, and who benefits from their love?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> Jesus reflected in his dealings with the disciples the love he received from his Father. And First John explains that Jehovah showed his love by sending his Son so that we could receive life. Therefore, when we think about Jesus\u2019 sacrifice, we appreciate the love of both. That sacrifice benefits both the anointed and the other sheep.<\/p>14. In what way did Jesus show love for his disciples? (See also the pictures.)<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> The passage shows that some disciples would face imprisonment. The simplicity of the Memorial would allow them to continue obeying even under such circumstances. Jesus showed consideration by not requiring a complicated ritual, as the examples in the article confirm.<\/p>15, 16. How have some brothers managed to celebrate the Lord\u2019s Evening Meal under very difficult circumstances? (See also the pictures.)<\/h3>
17. What is it appropriate for us to ask ourselves?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> It is good to ask ourselves how we can better imitate Jesus\u2019 love. Peter connects empathy with brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. This encourages us to think not only about what we need but also about what our brothers are experiencing. Preparing for the Memorial includes examining whether our treatment of others reflects these qualities.<\/p>18, 19. (a) Of what can we be sure?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> The Memorial will not be celebrated indefinitely. But we can be sure that even when it is no longer celebrated, we will fondly remember what it taught us about Jesus. The end of the ceremony will not erase our gratitude for his sacrifice or our admiration for his humility, courage, and love. Those qualities will continue to be a precious example for us.<\/p>18, 19. (b) What will you strive to do?<\/h3>
What does the Memorial teach us about Jesus\u2019 extraordinary humility?<\/h3>
Answer 1:<\/strong> The Memorial reminds us of a humble King who is interested in benefiting others. Hebrews shows that he continues to intercede for us. As the article emphasizes, the qualities he manifested on earth are still evident in his heavenly work. His elevated position has not caused him to stop caring about those who need his help.<\/p>