Memorial Talk Outline: Observing the Lord's Evening Meal (S-31, 2000)

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TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS

Dear Brothers:

A new Memorial talk outline (S-31 4/00) has been prepared for the 2001 Memorial celebration. Two copies of this outline are enclosed. One copy should be retained in the congregation's file and the other given to the brother who will deliver the Memorial talk.

Your brothers,

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. If writing regarding the above please return this slip.

OBSERVING "THE LORD'S EVENING MEAL"

Song No.87 and Opening Prayer

PATTERN FOR "LORD'S EVENING MEAL" WAS SET BY JESUS (3 min.)

The first Lord's Evening Meal was celebrated Nisan 14, 33 C.E.

Jesus and his 11 faithful apostles were present on that occasion

Jesus knew that he would soon give his life as a perfect sacrifice

He arranged for his sacrifice to be remembered in a simple ceremony [Read Luke 22:19, 20]

Jesus' death is commemorated once each year; this serves as a reminder of loving provision of ransom

Jehovah showed love by making this provision, and Jesus did so by fulfilling his role

WHY A RANSOM WAS NEEDED (7 min.)

When Adam disobeyed God, he lost the right to perfect human life

Wages sin pays is death [Read Romans 6:23a]

Imperfect humans cannot redeem themselves

By means of the ransom, God provides gift of everlasting life to mankind through Jesus Christ [Read Romans 6:23b]

Jesus willingly died so that obedient men could have life

Must exercise faith in Christ in order to have everlasting life [Read John 3:16, 36]

"Exercising faith" calls for action on our part [Read James 2:24, 26]

Those approved by God come in line for everlasting life, either in heaven or on earth

"LITTLE FLOCK" AND "OTHER SHEEP" BENEFIT FROM THE RANSOM (13 min.)

Jehovah chooses place each dedicated and baptized one will serve

"Little flock" receive everlasting life in heaven (Lu 12:32)

Number limited to 144,000 [Read Revelation 14:1]

As part of Kingdom arrangement, will channel untold blessings to obedient humans

This expression implies that others are also in line for God's favor

Are highly favored by God; Jehovah called them "blessed" and "my people" [Read Isaiah 65:21-23]

"Other sheep" will enjoy everlasting life on earth [Read John 10:16]

Members of both the heavenly and the earthly classes have reason to be grateful for kind provision of ransom

While anointed partake of emblems, other sheep attend as respectful observers, reflecting appreciatively on ransom

WHAT THE EMBLEMS REPRESENT (2 min.)

Bread and wine represent body and blood of Christ, the perfect sacrifice Unleavened bread represents Jesus' sinless body (1Co 5:7,8) Red wine pictures his blood poured out in sacrifice, which provides the basis for the new covenant and makes possible forgiveness of sins (Mt 26:27,28) CELEBRATING THE MEMORIAL OF CHRIST'S DEATH TODAY (12 min.)

[Read and comment briefly on 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24]

Tonight we will follow the pattern Jesus set for observing the Lord's Evening Meal

Jesus offered prayer and passed bread to 11 apostles

Qualified brother (preferably anointed) offers prayer, and then the bread is passed [Read and comment briefly on 1 Corinthians 11:25]

Jesus prayed and then offered wine to followers

BENEFITS FROM BEING PRESENT AT THIS MEMORIAL CELEBRATION (8 min.)

Another qualified brother (preferably anointed) prays, and then the wine is passed [Optional whether speaker comments while emblems are being served]

How can we show appreciation for the Memorial?

If you are not yet baptized, continue working toward that goal

Build faith by taking in knowledge (Joh 17:3)

As your faith grows, you will have strength to fulfill other requirements—repentance, conversion dedication, and baptism

Once baptized, must remain faithful

All must attend meetings regularly, not merely on special occasions (Heb 10:23-25)

Engage in preaching work (Ac 1:8)

Both anointed and other sheep must meet same standards of conduct

We invite all qualified ones to share in field ministry this week

Continue to take in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes

Song No. 105 and Closing Prayer

[Only scriptures in bold type need be read. References: w90 2/15 10-20; it-2 268-71; gt 114, 115]

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TO BE COVERED IN 45 MINUTES

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