• Questions From Readers
    The Watchtower—1982 | March 1

    • God had directed the Jews to use “unfermented cakes” during the Passover. (Exodus 12:8) Thus the ‘loaves’ that Jesus had available were unfermented cakes. They were made of wheat flour without any salt or other seasoning, for they represented the “bread of affliction.”​—Deuteronomy 16:3.

      Jehovah’s Witnesses today use similar “bread.” In some cases Jewish matzos are purchased and used, with care being taken to obtain matzos that have not been made with extra ingredients, such as onions, malt or eggs. Flat, dry, unseasoned matzos are appropriate. Or an unleavened bread can be made. A small amount of whole wheat floura can be mixed with a little water. The slightly moist dough is rolled thin and then baked on a flat (slightly oiled) cooking sheet until the bread is dry and crisp.

  • Questions From Readers
    The Watchtower—1982 | March 1

    • The elders in a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses should arrange beforehand to obtain unleavened bread and red wine, checking to be sure that what they get is suitable. In the days following the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal there is no need to view the remaining bread and wine as special or sanctified, for they continue to be just ordinary food products. Also, there is no reason to keep a certain bottle of wine from year to year for the celebration, unless a difficulty in obtaining suitable wine makes that advisable.

      Some individuals, when handed the emblems during the Memorial celebration, have acted as if these had special powers. For example, a few persons have deliberately inclined their head toward or smelled the emblems. This is not fitting.

      During the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal, the bread and the wine are emblematic of Jesus’ fleshly body and his precious blood. (Matthew 26:26-28) Accordingly, as they are passed, each individual should give respectful attention to what the bread and the wine represent. Those in the audience who do not partake can simply hand the plate and glass on to the next person, keeping in mind primarily Jesus’ sacrifice, which can cover our sins and makes available the prospect of everlasting life.​—1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

      [Footnotes]

      a Wheat flour is preferable, for that is what the Jews used for their unfermented cakes. But if it is very difficult to obtain wheat flour, unfermented “bread” made from rice, corn or other grain flour could be used.