Friday, March 22
You keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he comes.—1 Cor. 11:26.
One reason why we invite others to observe the Memorial with us is that we want those who attend for the first time to learn the truth about what Jehovah and Jesus have done for all of us. (John 3:16) We hope that what they see and hear at the Memorial will move them to learn more and to become servants of Jehovah. We also invite those who are no longer serving Jehovah. We do so to remind them that God still loves them. Many respond to our invitation, and we are overjoyed to see them. Attending the Memorial reminds them of how much they enjoyed serving Jehovah in the past. (Ps. 103:1-4) Whether people respond positively to our invitation or not, we diligently invite others to the Memorial, knowing that Jehovah is interested in individuals.—Luke 15:7; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4. w23.01 20 ¶1; 22-23 ¶9-11
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 11) Mark 11:20–12:27, 41-44
Saturday, March 23
The eye of Jehovah watches over those fearing him.—Ps. 33:18.
On the night before he died, Jesus made a special request to his heavenly Father. He asked Jehovah to watch over his followers. (John 17:15, 20) Jehovah has always watched over—cared for and protected—his people. However, Jesus knew that his followers would face unprecedented opposition from Satan. Jesus also realized that they would need Jehovah’s help to resist the Devil’s wicked attacks. Satan’s system puts an immense amount of pressure on true Christians today. We face adversities that can discourage us and even test our loyalty to Jehovah. But we have nothing to fear. Jehovah is watching over us—he sees the challenges we are facing, and he is ever ready to help us deal with them. Yes, Jehovah “watches over those fearing him . . . to rescue them.”—Ps. 33:18-20. w22.08 8 ¶1-2
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 12) Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11; Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16
MEMORIAL DATE
After Sundown
Sunday, March 24
Keep doing this in remembrance of me.—Luke 22:19.
Each year during the Memorial season, we show our appreciation for what Jesus has done by taking time to meditate prayerfully on the meaning of his death. We also encourage as many as possible to join us for this special occasion. And we are determined not to allow anything to prevent us from attending the Memorial. At the Memorial, we learn why mankind needs a ransom and how the death of one man can atone for the sins of many. We are reminded of what the bread and the wine represent and who should partake of them. (Luke 22:19, 20) And we meditate on the blessings that are in store for those who cherish the earthly hope. (Isa. 35:5, 6; 65:17, 21-23) We should not take these truths for granted. w23.01 20 ¶2; 21 ¶4
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 13) Mark 14:12-16; Matthew 26:17-19 (Events after sunset: Nisan 14) Mark 14:17-72