-
The Lord’s Evening Meal—How Often Should It Be Observed?The Watchtower—1994 | March 15
-
-
Remember, too, that Jesus initiated this observance and then died on the Jewish calendar date of Nisan 14.a That was the day of the Passover, a festival reminding the Jews of the great deliverance they had experienced in Egypt in the 16th century B.C.E. At that time, the sacrifice of a lamb resulted in the salvation of the Jewish firstborn, whereas Jehovah’s angel struck down all the firstborn of Egypt.—Exodus 12:21, 24-27.
How does this help our understanding? Well, the Christian apostle Paul wrote: “Christ our passover has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) Jesus’ death was a greater Passover sacrifice, giving mankind the opportunity for a far grander salvation. For Christians, therefore, the Memorial of Christ’s death has replaced the Jewish Passover.—John 3:16.
The Passover was an annual celebration. Logically, then, so is the Memorial. The Passover—the day Jesus died—always fell on the 14th day of the Jewish month Nisan. Hence, Christ’s death should be memorialized once a year on the calendar day that corresponds to Nisan 14.
-
-
The Lord’s Evening Meal—How Often Should It Be Observed?The Watchtower—1994 | March 15
-
-
a Nisan, the first month of the Jewish year, began with the first appearance of the new moon. Nisan 14 thus always came at full moon.
-