Wednesday, April 17
We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin.—Heb. 4:15.
The services of our High Priest, Jesus, reassure us that our sins can be forgiven and that “we may receive mercy and find undeserved kindness to help us at the right time.” (Heb. 4:16) Therefore, exercise faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. Have faith that the ransom applies to you. (Gal. 2:20, 21) Have faith that the ransom is the basis for forgiving your sins. Have faith that the ransom offers you the hope of eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice is Jehovah’s gift to you. And once Jehovah has forgiven our sins, we do not need to fear that he is looking for a reason to bring up those sins again or to judge us for them. (Ps. 103:8-12) Yes, we can be completely confident of Jehovah’s forgiveness. w17.11 11-12 ¶14-17
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 11) Matthew 21:33-41; 22:15-22; 23:1-12; 24:1-3
Thursday, April 18
I make request . . . concerning those putting faith in me through their word, so that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me.—John 17:20, 21.
On the night of the first Lord’s Evening Meal, Jesus prayed that his followers would all be united and that they would enjoy the same unity that he and his Father treasure. Jehovah has indeed answered that prayer of his dear Son, and now millions believe that Jehovah sent his Son. The Memorial, like no other meeting of God’s people, provides undeniable evidence of the unity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In some areas, the gathering of different races at a religious meeting is unheard of or is looked down on by others. But such unity is beautiful in the eyes of Jehovah and Jesus! As Jehovah’s people, we are not surprised at the unity we enjoy. Jehovah, in fact, foretold it.—Ezek. 37:15-17; Zech. 8:23. w18.01 14 ¶7-9
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 12) Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Luke 22:1-6
Memorial Date
After Sundown
Friday, April 19
The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.—Ps. 118:22.
“The builders,” the Jewish leaders, rejected the Messiah. Their rejection was far more than just turning their backs on Jesus or refusing to accept him as the Christ. Many Jews rejected him to the point of clamoring for his death. (Luke 23:18-23) Yes, they contributed to Jesus’ being killed. If Jesus was rejected and killed, how could he become “the chief cornerstone”? That could come about only by his being resurrected to life again. The apostle Peter spoke of “Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you executed on a stake but whom God raised up from the dead.” (Acts 3:15; 4:5-11; 1 Pet. 2:5-7) This resurrected Son thus became the only one whose name was “given among men by which we must get saved.”—Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:20. w17.12 9-10 ¶6-9
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 13) Matthew 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-13 (Events after sunset: Nisan 14) Matthew 26:20-56