Nisan 14​—A Day for Remembering

“Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”​—1 CORINTHIANS 11:24.

1. How did Jesus conquer the world?

“TAKE courage! I have conquered the world.” With such words of comfort and encouragement, Jesus strengthened his 11 faithful apostles the night before he died. Jesus had proved himself to be a world conqueror! He had successfully resisted every attempt of his Adversary, Satan the Devil, to break his loyalty to Jehovah. And now, with death on a torture stake facing him in a few hours, he was confident of maintaining his course of faithful integrity right to the very last.​—John 16:33; Hebrews 12:2.

2. Why did Jesus institute “the Lord’s evening meal”?

² This event of universal importance took place nineteen hundred and fifty-two years ago on the 14th day of Nisan, the first lunar month of the Jewish sacred calendar. This day would be one that was never to be forgotten by his devoted footstep followers. To ensure that his loyal followers would never overlook the significance of what was then to take place, Jesus instituted a special commemorative evening meal, described by the apostle Paul as “the Lord’s evening meal.” Under divine inspiration Paul relates that on this occasion Jesus commanded his disciples then present: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:20, 24) If you are concerned with being one of Jesus’ followers, do you appreciate why he commanded that, what it calls on you to do, and what it can mean for your future?

A Memorable Day

3. Why, and under what circumstances, was Nisan 14 first made a day for remembering?

³ This was not the first time in man’s history that Nisan 14 had been set aside as a day for remembering. In 1513 B.C.E., Jehovah, through his servant Moses, commanded the Israelites: “This day [Nisan 14] must serve as a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to Jehovah throughout your generations.” What prompted the celebration back then? Jehovah himself answered: “It is the sacrifice of the passover to Jehovah, who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when he plagued the Egyptians.”​—Exodus 12:14, 27.

4. What important issues were involved in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt?

⁴ That awesome deliverance in Egypt of every Israelite firstborn, involving both man and beast, took place on that night of Nisan 14. It was the culmination of nine preceding blows against the demon gods worshiped by the Egyptians, underscoring Jehovah’s previously stated purpose given to haughty Pharaoh: “In fact, for this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth.” A few days later Jehovah’s name and power were further manifested when he delivered millions of Israelites and a great mixed company at the Red Sea, while drowning the flower of Pharaoh’s armies. Little wonder that Moses and the sons of Israel sang: “Let me sing to Jehovah, for he has become highly exalted”!​—Exodus 9:16; 15:1.

5. What purpose was served by the Passover celebration?

⁵ After the Israelites became settled in the land promised to their forefather Abraham, the Passover was to be celebrated nationally once each year in Jerusalem, in obedience to the command at Deuteronomy 16:1-8. Jehovah thus arranged that Nisan 14 should always stand out in the minds of his typical people. What purpose would this serve? It was to be a day for exalting Jehovah’s name, for remembering his great acts of deliverance. So centuries later the significance of the Passover would be uppermost in the hearts and thoughts of Jesus’ parents who, we are told, “were accustomed to go from year to year to Jerusalem for the festival of the passover.” According to Jewish custom, their son Jesus would be with them.​—Luke 2:41, 42.

6. For what reasons was Jesus anxious to keep the Passover of 33 C.E. with his faithful apostles?

⁶ Following Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan and the start of his ministry, he likely would continue to celebrate the Passover with Mary, his earthly mother, and her sons, his half brothers. However, for Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus arranged to celebrate the feast with his 12 apostles. Luke’s account tells us how Jesus felt about this occasion: “I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer!” (Luke 22:15, Today’s English Version) Why such a great desire on Jesus’ part? Because he knew the significance of the events shortly to take place on that memorable day that had started at sundown. Jesus also knew that such events would far eclipse those that happened back in 1513 B.C.E. They would exalt Jehovah’s name more than ever before and would lay the basis for the ultimate blessing of all the families of the earth. Also, he had much to tell his disciples before he died, instilling courage in them to remain his loyal followers. The detailed Gospel accounts allow us to listen in, as it were, on what Jesus said and did.​—John 12:31; 17:26.

What Occurred? What Did It Mean?

7. (a) What events during Jesus’ last Passover meal led up to his instituting the Memorial of his death? (John 13:1-30) (b) Describe Jesus’ procedure in setting up the Lord’s Evening Meal.

⁷ While the meal was in progress, Jesus got up and washed the feet of his disciples, thus setting a perfect example in humility. Then Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” Shortly afterward, he turned to Judas and said, “What you are doing get done more quickly.” John’s account relates: “He went out immediately. And it was night.” (John 13:21, 27, 30) It was after this that Jesus instituted the Memorial of his death. Let us hear how eyewitness Matthew describes what happened: “As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf and, after saying a blessing, he broke it and, giving it to the disciples, he said: ‘Take, eat. This means my body.’ Also, he took a cup and, having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: ‘Drink out of it, all of you; for this means my “blood of the covenant,” which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will by no means drink henceforth any of this product of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father.’ Finally, after singing praises, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”​—Matthew 26:26-30; see also Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:19, 20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

8. Why is it so important to understand the meaning of Jesus’ words and actions in instituting the Memorial?

⁸ What was the full meaning of what Jesus said and did on that occasion? Paul emphasized how important it is for all of Christ’s anointed followers to appreciate this, saying: “Consequently whoever eats the loaf or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty respecting the body and the blood of the Lord.” Surely none of the anointed would want to be ‘unworthy’ in Jehovah’s eyes, resulting in his adverse judgment. Further, the “great crowd” should want to be counted worthy as companions of the anointed remnant. So, with the approach of another Memorial on Thursday, April 4, 1985, it is timely that all of us reexamine this matter together in detail.​—1 Corinthians 11:27.

9. (a) Why is the rendering of Jesus’ words, “This means my body” more correct than, “This is my body”? (See footnote.) (b) What special meaning did Jesus put on the loaf? (c) On the wine?

⁹ Jesus said, “This means my body.”a In saying these words, Jesus put a special meaning on the loaf​—it was a symbol of his own sinless fleshly body that he gave “in behalf of the life of the world.” (John 6:51) Similarly, when he said respecting the cup of wine, “This means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ . . . poured out . . . for forgiveness of sins,” he was using the fermented wine in the cup as a symbol of his own blood. This blood was to be the basis for putting into operation “a new covenant.” His shed blood was also going to be a means of providing “forgiveness of sins.”​—Matthew 26:28; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 9:22.

10. What does partaking of the bread and wine imply?

¹⁰ What, then, is implied on the part of those who partake of the bread and the wine during the Memorial celebration? The act itself demonstrates to the partakers, and to onlookers, that they have already benefited from the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus, but in a special way and for a special purpose. How does this work out? On the basis of their faith in Christ’s sacrifice and their dedication to Jehovah, God credits them with the merit of Jesus’ human sacrifice. For what purpose? So that they can have imputed to them human perfection and thus have a righteous standing before God. Jehovah then begets these by his holy spirit and they become his spiritual sons. They are now in a position to sacrifice their right to live on earth in return for a heavenly inheritance. All of this has taken place before they share in the Lord’s Supper.​—Romans 5:1, 2, 8; 8:15-17; James 1:18.

11, 12. (a) What two additional things are indicated by drinking the wine? (b) Explain the covenant that Jesus makes with those who partake.

¹¹ Consider now what else is implied by drinking the wine. Although Jehovah has imputed righteousness to his spiritual sons and has adopted them as sons, they are still in the imperfect flesh. They are yet prone to sin and they recognize this. In drinking the wine, they thereby acknowledge their daily dependence on the blood of Christ Jesus, which has been “poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins.”​—1 John 1:9, 10; 2:1.

¹² There is still something else, however, that is implied by drinking the wine. The partakers testify that they have been brought into the “new covenant” that Jehovah long ago foretold through the prophet Jeremiah. This covenant was made operational by the blood of Jesus. The parties to that covenant are Jehovah God and his spiritual sons, who collectively make up spiritual Israel. Each member is chosen by God. Jesus is the Mediator of the covenant, by which he assists those 144,000 covenant members to become part of the seed of Abraham. (Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 8:10, 12; 12:22-24; Galatians 3:29) These are also the ones that Jesus takes into a ‘covenant for a kingdom.’ As a result, they will eventually be used along with their King Jesus Christ to channel Jehovah’s blessings of life to all the families of the earth.​—Luke 22:28-30; John 6:53; Revelation 5:9, 10; Genesis 22:15-18.

13. What are the things that should now be remembered on Nisan 14?

¹³ Truly, as we examine the full meaning of Jesus’ words spoken on this day for remembering, we are forcibly reminded of Jehovah’s love in making the provision of his dear Son. We are also reminded of Jesus’ love in providing his life as a ransom for all believing mankind. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6) However, there are other precious truths that Jesus discussed with his followers that evening. Of the Bible writers, only the apostle John records this very intimate conversation.

Glory, Love, and Unity

14. (a) How is Jehovah glorified by each Memorial celebration? (b) What part does love play in remembering Jesus, and what self-examination should this prompt in the minds of all participants?

¹⁴ Jesus said: “Now the Son of man is glorified, and God is glorified in connection with him.” (John 13:31) Ever since Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, Nisan 14 had been associated with the vindication of God’s name, his sovereignty, and his power. Now, with Jesus’ faithfulness to death and his subsequent glorious resurrection by God’s power, still greater honor and glory were being brought to God’s name. (Compare Proverbs 27:11.) Jesus told his disciples that they would give proof of discipleship by keeping “a new commandment,” to ‘love one another just as he had loved them.’ (John 13:34, 35) The depth of our brotherly love is a reflection of our appreciation for the love that Jesus expressed for us at that time.​—1 John 4:19.

15. (a) What hope of life is set before all who partake worthily? (b) How is love for Jesus proved?

¹⁵ The hope of one day living in a heavenly home is part of the joy set before those chosen to be corulers with Christ. (Revelation 20:6) Jesus introduces this hope, saying: “I am going my way to prepare a place for you. . . . I am coming again and will receive you home to myself.” (John 14:2-4) What a homecoming awaits all who remain faithful to the end! Hence, Jesus admonishes, “If you love me, you will observe my commandments.” This means all of his commandments, including the command to teach and to make disciples.​—John 14:15, 21; Matthew 28:19, 20.

16. (a) How did Jesus stress the need for unity among his followers, and why is this unity so important? (b) To what must all of Jesus’ followers face up, but what helps them to do this?

¹⁶ How important it is for Jesus’ followers to be in unity with him and one another! Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and its branches to stress this fact. Unity results in bearing fruit and this, in turn, glorifies the Father. (1 Corinthians 1:10; John 15:1, 5, 8) Persecution and opposition face all of Jesus’ followers. But how faith-strengthening to know that Jesus maintained his integrity as a world conqueror despite all of Satan’s attacks!​—John 15:18-20; 16:2, 33.

17. Discuss some of Jesus’ requests in his prayer recorded in John chapter 17.

¹⁷ Jesus brings the evening to a close with a heartfelt prayer to his Father. The glorification of his Father takes first place in his petition. He prays that his followers will be protected from the wicked one, Satan, as they remain separate from the world. And he also prays that the same loving unity that exists between him and the Father may continue to grow among his ever-increasing number of footstep followers.​—John chapter 17.

18. Considering the total number attending the Memorial in 1984, why did so few partake of the emblems?

¹⁸ We have considered only a few of the precious truths and thoughts that Jesus shared with his disciples on that night about 1,952 years ago, but surely these help us to understand why Nisan 14 is indeed a day for remembering. Little wonder it is, then, that last year 7,416,974 of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their friends saw the importance of assembling together to observe the Lord’s Evening Meal. And yet, of that vast multitude, there were only 9,081 who partook of the emblems. Why? Because the vast majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses today see themselves as part of the “great crowd” that stands “before the throne and before the Lamb.” These look forward to living on planet Earth as their everlasting home, not to living in the heavens where the 144,000 will “rule as kings with [Christ] for the thousand years.”​—Revelation 7:9; 20:6; Psalm 37:11.

19. What forms the basis for next week’s study, and why is it important that all should attend?

¹⁹ Some questions, however, have arisen regarding the relationship between the Lord’s Evening Meal and the “great crowd” of “other sheep.” (John 10:16) It seems appropriate, then, that these matters be discussed in the following article, so that there will be no misunderstanding on the part of anyone as another Memorial celebration draws near.​—1 Thessalonians 5:21.

[Footnotes]

The “Other Sheep” and the Lord’s Evening Meal

“[Jesus] is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.”​—1 JOHN 2:2.

1. What positive results have come from the ‘preaching of the good news of the kingdom’?

JESUS said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Some of the generation of 1914 still survive to testify that Jehovah’s Witnesses have faithfully carried out this command. As a result, hundreds of thousands of honest-hearted people, disillusioned by this world’s failures, have responded positively to the good news. They have dedicated themselves to Jehovah God and given their allegiance to his Kingdom, making known this dedication by water baptism. There were 179,421 that took such a course of wisdom during 1984. In effect, they said to God’s name people: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”​—Zechariah 8:23.

2. What factor has governed the timing for Jesus’ gathering his “other sheep”?

² This ever-increasing “great crowd” of worshipers is part of those described by Jesus as his “other sheep.” (Revelation 7:9, 15; John 10:16) They have the grand hope of living forever in an earthly paradise. (Psalm 37:29) Jesus foretold that he would bring together these faithful followers of his after first giving his undivided shepherding attention to the gathering of a “little flock” of sheeplike ones toward whom he mediates the new covenant. (Luke 12:32; Hebrews 9:15) Having in mind this gathering of two sheeplike classes of people into “one flock,” we can understand why the apostle John stated that Jesus Christ “is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.”​—1 John 2:1, 2.

Changes in Viewpoint

3, 4. (a) What changed viewpoint have many had regarding celebrating the Lord’s Evening Meal? (b) What did Paul mean by saying, “For as often as you eat . . . and drink”?

³ Many newly gathered ones of the “other sheep” used to celebrate Mass or Communion, the frequency and manner of celebration being governed by the beliefs of the particular religious organization to which they belonged. Now, however, these have come to realize that the Lord’s Evening Meal should be celebrated only once each year. Why is this so? Well, the Jewish Passover was celebrated just once each year, and Jesus started the Memorial on that same Passover night, Nisan 14. He then told his disciples: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” Paul adds: “For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Jesus clearly meant that his disciples should keep the celebration of his death on the Passover Day, which came once a year. Therefore, it has been celebrated “often” during the lifetime of the Christian congregation. In fact, the Memorial has already been celebrated 1,952 times.

⁴ There is another important difference in viewpoint that the “other sheep” class have come to appreciate. Instead of partaking of the bread and the wine as many of them formerly did in some church, they now find their situation “readjusted” to that of onlookers. Why is this so, and do we have Scriptural support for a procedure that allows for onlookers as well as partakers?​—2 Corinthians 13:11; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

5. (a) Describe the fundamental steps a person must take to benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice. (b) Why has God specially acted on behalf of 144,000 of Christ Jesus’ followers?

⁵ For anyone to benefit from the “propitiatory sacrifice” of Christ Jesus, there are certain steps that need to be taken, regardless of whether that one entertains the hope of life in heaven or he entertains the hope of life in the earthly Paradise. These fundamental steps are as follows: (1) taking in accurate knowledge of God’s Word (Romans 10:13-15); (2) exercising faith (Hebrews 11:6); (3) repentance (Matthew 4:17); (4) conversion (Acts 3:19); (5) dedication (Luke 9:23); and (6) baptism (Matthew 28:19). It is after these steps have been taken that God acts in a special way toward a person he chooses to be one of the 144,000, or “little flock.” For what purpose? In order for the person to become God’s spiritual son with the prospect of being a priest and a king with Christ Jesus. (Revelation 20:4, 6) There is only a remnant of such spiritual sons now living, and these are the ones who properly partake of the emblems. This, then, accounts for the vast majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses being observers and not partakers.

The Passover and the Memorial

6. Why have some contended that the “other sheep” should partake of the emblems, and what question does this raise?

⁶ Some have suggested that the increasing great number of “other sheep” should partake of the emblems. Their reasoning is: Since “the Law has a shadow of the good things to come,” and since one of the requirements of the Law was the keeping of the Passover by both Israelites and circumcised alien residents, this would imply that both classes of sheeplike ones in the “one flock” under the “one shepherd” ought to partake of the Memorial emblems. (Hebrews 10:1; John 10:16; Numbers 9:14) This raises an important question: Was the Passover a type of the Memorial?

7. In what respects was the Passover “a shadow of the good things to come”?

⁷ It is true that certain features of the Passover observance in Egypt were undoubtedly fulfilled in Jesus. Paul likens Jesus to the Passover lamb, saying, “Christ our passover has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) The sprinkling of the Passover lamb’s blood on the doorposts and lintels assured deliverance for the firstborn within each Israelite home. Similarly, it is through the sprinkling of Christ’s blood that “the congregation of the firstborn who have been enrolled in the heavens” receive their deliverance, or “release by ransom.” (Hebrews 12:23, 24; Ephesians 1:3, 7) Furthermore, not a bone of the Passover lamb was to be broken, and this also found fulfillment in Christ Jesus. (Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20; John 19:36) Hence, it is true to say that the Passover, in certain respects, was one of the many features in the Law that provided “a shadow of the good things to come.” All these features pointed forward to Christ Jesus, “the Lamb of God.”​—John 1:29.

8-10. (a) In what important respect concerning the blood did the Passover differ from the Memorial? (b) How do the covenants associated with the Memorial highlight another difference? (c) To what conclusion does this lead us?

⁸ Nevertheless, the Passover was not strictly a type of the Lord’s Evening Meal. Why not? When the Passover was instituted in Egypt, the flesh of the roasted lamb was eaten, but none of the blood of the Passover lamb was eaten. In contrast, however, when Jesus instituted the Memorial of his death he specifically instructed those then present to eat his flesh and drink his blood, symbolized by the bread and the wine. (Exodus 12:7, 8; Matthew 26:27, 28) In this very important aspect​—the blood—​the Passover was not a type of the Lord’s Evening Meal.

⁹ There is something else that should not be overlooked. Jesus discussed two related covenants with his disciples, “the new covenant” and ‘a covenant for a kingdom.’ (Luke 22:20, 28-30) Both covenants had to do with the partakers’ being in line to share as priests and kings with Christ Jesus. But in Israel no circumcised alien resident could ever become a priest or a king. In this respect, also, we find a distinction between the Passover feast in Israel and the Lord’s Evening Meal.

¹⁰ So to what conclusion does this lead us? The fact that the circumcised alien resident ate of the unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and lamb of the Passover does not establish that those today of the Lord’s “other sheep” who are present at the Memorial should partake of the bread and the wine.

Importance of Attending the Memorial

11. For what important reasons should the “other sheep” attend the Memorial?

¹¹ Does this, however, indicate that it is not important for those of the “other sheep” class to be present at the celebration of the Memorial? Certainly not! This is an occasion for all of Jesus’ sheeplike followers to remember Jesus in a very special sense. The “other sheep” on that occasion recall that they have already benefited because of their faith in Christ’s shed blood to the extent that they are now viewed by Jehovah as having “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This is why they are able to render “sacred service day and night in [God’s] temple.” (Revelation 7:14, 15) They can also remember that they have to keep on ‘seeking Jehovah, righteousness, and meekness’ with the hope of being spared during “the day of Jehovah’s anger,” and thereafter having the joy of attaining to human perfection. Finally they can be declared actually righteous by Jehovah, which will be after Jesus hands over the Kingdom to his Father.​—Zephaniah 2:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 20:5.

12. What benefits result from listening to the Memorial talk?

¹² Another important reason to be in attendance is the fact that the truths discussed during the Memorial talk are among “the deep things of God,” ‘solid food belonging to mature people,’ not just the milk of “primary doctrine.” (1 Corinthians 2:10; Hebrews 5:13–6:1) The Scriptural discourse will deepen appreciation for the love Jehovah displayed in setting up such a wonderful Kingdom arrangement for the blessing of the human family. It is also an opportunity for ‘looking more intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.’ Never should the love Jesus displayed on our behalf, nor the sufferings he went through, be taken for granted. (Hebrews 12:2, 3) Furthermore, we all can agree that many of the precious thoughts Jesus discussed with his apostles when instituting the Memorial​—thoughts regarding unity, love, and glorification of Jehovah’s name—​can be shared by the “other sheep” as well as the “little flock.”

Showing Loving Concern for All

13. Why is it important to have the emblems passed to all in attendance?

¹³ It is important that everyone present at the Lord’s Evening Meal be reminded of the procedure instituted by Jesus. The actual passing of the bread and the wine from one to the other helps to deepen appreciation for the sacred things that have just been discussed that evening. It also enables each one to go on record as indicating what his hope of life is​—heavenly or earthly.a Following the proper procedure brings the congregation into line with what is being done earth wide that evening.​—1 Corinthians 14:40.

14. How can the elders show loving concern for one of the anointed who is sick on the night of the Memorial?

¹⁴ Suppose one of the anointed in a congregation is sick and unable to attend the Memorial. What then? Every effort should be made to have one of the elders take the emblems to that ill Christian and, if convenient, the elder can make a few appropriate comments before offering the emblems and closing with a fitting prayer. How encouraged the sick person will feel! Such acts of loving concern promote a spirit of love within the congregation. (See also page 31.)​—Psalm 133:1.

15. Describe some other ways by which respect can be shown for the Lord’s Evening Meal.

¹⁵ Other interesting questions have been raised regarding procedure and the type of emblems to be used at the Memorial. The answers to these questions will be found on page 19 under “Showing Respect for the Lord’s Evening Meal.” The responsible elders would do well to follow carefully what is outlined therein.

The Need for Self-Examination

16, 17. (a) What question have some asked regarding participation in the Memorial, and who alone can give the answer? (b) How does God provide convincing evidence for those begotten by his spirit?

¹⁶ There are some who are distressed by doubts as to whether they are entitled to partake of the emblems. This question sometimes arises in the weeks before another celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal. Frequently such inquiries are made by some who have recently become associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Are you one who has had doubts of this kind pass through your mind? How can you determine the right course to take?

¹⁷ Paul recommended regarding the Lord’s Evening Meal: “First let a man approve himself after scrutiny, and thus let him eat of the loaf and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28, 29) Did you notice that Paul says you are the one who is to do the ‘approving after scrutiny’? Of course, it is not wrong to talk over such a serious matter with a mature Christian, but you alone must determine your personal relationship with Jehovah and his Son. God leaves none of the 144,000 in doubt. We are assured: “The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.” It is God’s spirit that awakens in the heart of any member of Christ’s body the conviction that he is one of God’s spiritual sons. The chosen one knows this and does not have to ask another in the congregation for confirmation.​—Romans 8:15, 16.

18. What historical facts regarding the “other sheep” are of interest to us?

¹⁸ The modern history of Jehovah’s Witnesses shows that since 1931 more attention started to be given to the “other sheep” through the Kingdom message. Then on May 31, 1935, with the delivering of the talk “The Great Multitude,”b the “great crowd” that the apostle John saw in vision was clearly identified with the “other sheep.” What did this new emphasis indicate? Surely that the gathering of the “little flock” was drawing to a close and the time had come for Jesus, through the administration of “the faithful and discreet slave,” to turn his attention to gathering the “other sheep.”​—Matthew 24:45-47.

19. What personal examination may be advisable for those newer ones who have laid claim to being of the anointed?

¹⁹ With the foregoing in mind, we say to all those who have recently become associated with Jehovah’s people and who may have made some claim to being one of the anointed class: Examine carefully your relationship with Jehovah. Ask yourself, Is the heavenly hope that I profess to have somehow a holdover from a previously held church teaching that all church members go to heaven? Is my hope in any way connected with some selfish desire or emotional feelings? Paul said: “It is impossible for God to lie.” (Hebrews 6:18) Nor can the holy spirit of adoption lie. Therefore, anyone genuinely begotten by God’s spirit is not continually disturbed with doubts but is able to testify in all good conscience that he is one of God’s sons.

Celebrating in 1985

20. Of what importance is the Memorial to Jehovah’s Witnesses?

²⁰ The Lord’s Evening Meal is, without question, the year’s greatest celebration for all true Christians. There is no other occasion like it in regard to importance, purpose or procedure. Hence, as the earth turns on its axis, causing the sun progressively to sink below the horizon around the earth, every congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, large and small alike, and every isolated group will meet together in obedience to the Master’s command.

21. What attitude and expectations should the Memorial in 1985 raise in the hearts of God’s people?

²¹ All sheeplike disciples are therefore overjoyed at the prospect of sharing together in another Memorial celebration. May this year’s occasion prove to be a time of upbuilding encouragement to all of Jehovah’s servants. May it instill in them the same spirit of confidence as that of their Exemplar, Jesus Christ, who said: “Take courage! I have conquered the world.”​—John 16:33.

[Footnotes]