The Memorial of the Death of Christ, April 7, 2020

April 7, 2020: 7 pm Central Time, 8 pm Eastern Time, 6 pm Mountain Time, 5 pm Pacific Standard Time.

 

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REMINDER: SPECIAL – on April 2, our group will study Bro. Lee’s podcast about the importance of the Passover Feast, focusing on its history (Exo_12:11-51) and the deep meaning of Jesus’ fulfillment (1Co_5:7; Heb_11:28). http://askjacqueline.life/podcasts-with-lee-anthony/

 

The Jewish calendar in use today is termed “modern” to distinguish it from the “ancient” calendar, which goes back to early Old Testament times. But the “modern” Jewish calendar was already in use in the early centuries of the Christian era. Originally the rules governing its calculation were kept secret to maintain the dependency of scattered tribes upon the ruling hierarchy. But in 359 A.D. the rules were finally published by Rabbi Hillel II and made available to all Jews in the dispersion. This made it possible for the calendar to be calculated centuries in advance, and it eliminated all confusion regarding occurrences of the holy days.

This is precisely why we believe it is still useful for Christians today to base the calculation of the Memorial date upon the Jewish calendar. It comes closest to approximating the ancient Jewish custom. Its use is certainly advantageous in arriving at a uniform date and eliminates the need for independent calculations. And it is universally available. But all this leads to one important question: Is it proper for us as Christians to accept Jewish authority and the Jewish calendar in fixing our Memorial dates?

In seeking guidance in any matter, it is always well to look to the example and teaching of our Lord. In this instance, we believe his words and actions provide a direct answer to our query. Jesus made it quite clear that he was willing to accept the interpretations of those who sat in Moses’ seat when such did not conflict with truth or principle. Of the scribes and Pharisees, he specifically said, “Whatsoever, therefore, they bid you observe, that observe and do” (Matthew 23:2,3). His followers were not, however, to follow their example in hypocrisy and religious show.

The arrangements and adjustments of the Jewish calendar, particularly as they governed the religious festivities of the people, properly fell under the jurisdiction of these leaders. Jesus was quite content to accept their rulings on such matters. Hence it would seem reasonable that acceptance of the dates produced by the Jewish calendar for the Passover-Memorial service in our day would be expressing an attitude similar to that of our Lord: not one of subservience, but of recognition of the convenience and utility of the arrangement, all under the providences of our God.

According to the Jewish calendar, Nisan 14 will be the eve of Tuesday the 7th in April for us and this is agreed on by dawn Bible and I think JW’s too. So we can all agree I guess on somethings.

Nisan 13 is our calendar day on which the Memorial is held, but At 6:00 p.m. on this calendar day Nisan 14 begins, and shortly after our Memorial service should take place.

researched by Lee Anthony

 

26 Responses to The Memorial of the Death of Christ, April 7, 2020

  1. Jacqueline says:

    If we totally lost our Bible but had Isaiah the 53rd chapter only. We could come to Christ and get saved. It has 66 chapters. And later I will look up the 39 and 27 divisions here.
    But this is an amazing chapter.

  2. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    Watchtower Examination Brother Winston gives us some information we should all take to heart regarding the severity and danger of the Watchtower Memorial service. Winston has never been associated with the organization and is just now learning the ins and outs of how the members of Watchtower view their memorial. His original critique was posted earlier and this video expounds on what took place and highlights why I refuse to participate in that memorial service as represented by that anti-Christ like organization!
    https://youtu.be/0M6d0u0CfyA

    • jacqueline says:

      TedR, I will go look at this now. I wanted to say also that The Memorial of the Death of Christ is right and all Christians should do it and partake. The Resurrection is our salvation, He is alive and we are saved.

      BUT, IF HE DIDN’T RISE WE ARE TO BE PITIED! The Resurrection of Christ is a day of jubilation and celebration. One thing I appreciated about the Bible Students was they recognized Christ Resurrection also and I shall also.

      I Cor. 15:14- 20 “14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope[a] in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

      20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

  3. TedR says:

    I think it was close to 500 on YouTube live plus around 40 on zoom

  4. Lee Anthony says:

    I have always agreed with this version of events based on John, and I can see why he would not have been a part of it all, I never considered it deeply but I decided to compare the events after reading John which is what you just listed, After reading the whole chapter and considering timing and verses 2-21 Yeshua mentions it more than a few times and he remained until verses 27-30. Comparing the meal in Matthew 26 with this supper in John The Lord hands the bread to Judas in verse 25 and this stood out cause we always read verse 26 for memorial and this is where he begins the bread and wine. And adding in Luke was the nail in the coffin for me cause just after he does the bread and wine in verses 19-20 he the states in verse 21 that “behold the one who betrays me is with me at the table” After we read the accounts verse by verse and consider that he is shown still at the table after the Lord institutes memorial I decided that reading slowly without my ingrained beliefs clouding what I’m seeing it really shocked me. I have read this over and over for years and Never remember reading the verse from 19-21. The readings always stop at verse 20 so I never saw it until I read it all at once in order. I thought it was interesting, wondering if anyone else after reading this noticed a difference?

  5. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    Here is another video showing a Christians reaction and refutation of the Watchtower Memorial. Well worth watching. While I am forced to sit through this travesty presented by the Watchtower I refuse to participate in any way, therefore I will not partake during there ceremony. I was participating with our dear brother Eric Wilson, who did a wonderful job.
    Sr Jacqueline, you made some good points on the account in John. I reread John 13 and there is sound argument but I noticed something in verse 26
    26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot 27 And when Judas had taken the piece of bread, Satan entered into him.
    Notice Jesus dipped the bread into the wine and gave it to Judas and it was afterward that Judas left. So while Judas was not there for the whole meal it seems that Jesus did allow Judas to partake. I see no indication that Judas did not eat the bread dipped in wine. Just a thought.

    https://youtu.be/ZpPEDd9H5qk

    • jacqueline says:

      TedR, yes I agree he took and ate the dipped bread because they have a seder tray with many things that they used bread to dip and scoop up with bread. Then satan entered him. There is no indication as I see that they dip but rather broke the bread and divide the wine up among them and drank it. Following the narrative presented by John Jesus would have made a pack with the then entered devil.
      Jesus also called him the son of damnation. What that means I don’t know but it implies something sinister about Judas.
      It will indeed be something to look forward to, I never knew any thought Judas partook but I guess I never looked.
      Our Memorial was so uplifting and our special guess made the fellowship even more blessed.
      Glad you got on with Eric. How many did he have in his sessions, if you know?

  6. jacqueline says:

    The Memorial last night was a blessing beyond any expectations. We had possibly a total of 32.
    This included our new friends Nazam and Sadat and their friends that found us by internet search.

    Since no advertising was done I searched to solve the mystery of our online presence The Memorial of the death of Christ April 7th, 2020.

    The Watchtower society did advertise because they often reach the number 18,000 for attendance and they were number one all over the internet. This is the wording of their advertisement On Eventbrite: Tuesday, April 7th, 2020- The Memorial of Christ Death. Last night they were number 1 but because the wording was so similar we were number 2. Google search is by words and phrases that are similar so we got a boost last night from their Ads.

    We got to meet and see the actual teenager that caused the creation of the Ask Jacqueline website after it dismantled from the fojw site and my previous site prior to that one.
    Jehovah used her to push us to keep helping our brothers. Tasha and I soon realized we had bought an entire website, not just a page. We thank her daughter for the push. It has been a blessing.

    The fellowship before and after the Memorial was so uplifting that I could hardly get to sleep. Hopefully, everyone will be on this Saturday Zoom conference call with the same link at the same time.http://askjacqueline.life/freeconferencecall/

  7. Lee Anthony says:

    A question of interest to study… According to witness teaching only special people partake, they also state that Judas was not there during the meal. After examination I have found that almost no one agrees with this teaching since no where in the gospels does it state that he left prior to the breaking of bread. Matt. 26:25-26 and Luke 22:7-23) Reading these seem to show him there, and the teaching of Paul later in 1 Cor. 11:23-34) about not partaking of it unworthily seems to reflect on this very thing that Judas himself did not even understand the reality of what was occurring though none of the 12 at the time truly knew what was Really occurring. It seems to be a teaching to back up the “special class” doctrine. Just a matter of interest.

    Enjoy Pesach to all who observe and the start of the Feast of Unleavened bread as well, put away the old man and the old ways and put on the new man. This week can be a fun way to observe this very thing for ALL remembering the death and resurrection of our Messiah, that through him we have a new life and because of the Resurrection he has become the first fruits of those who have have fallen asleep in death. Oh what Awesome lessons we can learn from Gods given Holy Days that are so much deeper than mans which have replaced them. Pray, study, and look forward to his return and further fulfillment of prophecy to show ALL that your word is truth and will NOT Fail.
    John 6:32-33) Isa 53:5) 1 Pet 2:24)Eph 4:22-24) 1 Cor 15:20-23)

    • jacqueline says:

      Lee Anthony, John gives a unique account and includes little details that cause me to believe Judas was not there to participate with the bread and wine. John adds as soon as he took the bread satan entered him and he left. Jesus also promised to drink it anew in the kingdom, but if satan had entered Judas he was drinking with the devil. That’s my take on it.
      John 13:26-30
      “Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

      Jhn 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”

      Jhn 13:28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him.

      13:29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor.

      13:30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

  8. From Tom Bradford says:

    Passover blessings to you! Sundown tonight, Wednesday, marks the beginning of Passover. It is the time when we are to put away our consumption of leaven because biblically, leaven is symbolic of sin. While originally the Passover was an actual historical event that took place in Egypt, today we can see the prophetic fulfillment of it in the atoning death of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ).

    I hope that for tonight and for the next week, you can move your focus from the very real and tragic worldwide plague of Covid-19, and put your eyes upon Jesus. He is our Passover. He is our Savior. And if not for Him, we would have no hope for an eternal life with God.

    What is happening in our communities and around the globe will pass. But what Christ has done for us can never be undone. So let’s observe and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Messiah together in spirit, even though we might not be able to be together in the flesh.

    Chag Sameach Pesach

    Tom Bradford

  9. Lee Anthony says:

    Thanks all, this was a good meeting and at one point I believe that we had around 30 or so on, there were more than a few on one line so I don’t know the exact count. We had a couple of Muslim guests as well for the 1st time and we had a good conversation afterwords, thank you for joining us everyone. Take care of yourselves and your families.

  10. Jacqueline says:

    Luke 9:28-36 talks about the transfiguration and one point I learned today was they were in the habit of venerating Moses and the prophets but were told to listen to Jesus.
    The prophets were great men of old but we shouldn’t worship men because they wrote books or started a religion. Jehovah says to venerate His son as the only human who’s name only we put before men, never a man or group of men.
    I never really understood this until today that he was teaching us not to pay homage to the prophets.

    Matthew 17:1-13
    “After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

    4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

    5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

    6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. He said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up they saw no one except Jesus.

    9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

    10 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Baptist.”

  11. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    Hebrews 9:27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

    It’s been a little over 2000 years ago that Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, was sent to the earth, fully man, to die so that we might have life. He bore our sins, a final sacrifice of atonement! No longer would there be need to sacrifice the life of an animal. These sacrifices were a shadow of what became a reality through Jesus death. On this day we memorialize the death of Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God. It was through his death and sacrifice that we now have the wondrous hope and promise of eternal life, serving him at his side. Do we, as Christians, truly appreciate that sacrifice? Or do we just give him lip service? How do we live our lives? None of us are perfect. We rely on the grace of God and his mercy! Nothing we can do, no amount of works, can buy our salvation! We fight the flesh constantly, because the flesh is sinful and constantly wars against the spirit. We show our love for Christ by everyday resolving to do better. To continuing to wage war against our human flesh and weakness. Every day we fail, we fall short, we sin! That is why we need the sacrifice that Jesus, with his mercy, love, and forgiveness! As we remember our Lord this day, Nisan 14, let us keep Him in our thoughts and hearts. For many, this day will be commemorated on Friday per custom originating with the early Church. Whatever day we celebrate, the meaning should always be the same. To show our appreciation for that sacrifice, as Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all.
    1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

  12. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    A review of the Watchtower memorial talk: Great information!
    https://youtu.be/3WkYOVp6bUg

  13. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    John 6:53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.

    The Watchtower teaches that only a select few, those of the 144000 anointed should partake of the emblems, the bread and wine symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ. No where in the Bible do we see such an assertion! In fact as the above Scripture points out;
    John 6:53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
    Plain Scripture! The Apostle Paul in the book of Hebrews points out that the sacrifice of Christ takes the place of the animal sacrifices that ALL Israel was to make for forgiveness of sin. (Read Hebrews 9:11-28)
    Notice what is said here in part:
    11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here,[ he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands,
    14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
    15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
    15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
    24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence
    25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
    27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
    The Watchtower would have you believe that you are not part of this new covenant, that Christ is not your direct mediator! Because of this they say you are not entitled to partake. Yet Jesus himself said that if we want life we MUST partake of his body and blood! That unless we do we have no life in us! Just as all Israel was to take sacrifices into the Temple for atonement of sin, all who claim to be Christians must avail themselves of the sacrifice of Christ by partaking of his body and blood, symbolized by the bread and wine!
    Every Memorial the Watchtower has its members physically and openly reject that sacrifice! By placing the organization in place of Christ they bring condemnation upon that organization. They make themselves false Christs! Matthew 24:4 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.
    Messiah means “anointed one”! Claiming to be “anointed” and Gods only representatives on earth through whom you can gain salvation should wave a red flag for everyone truly desiring to follow the only true mediator, Jesus our Lord!
    The Watchtower has deceived millions of people into rejecting the sacrifice of Christ! For those who have been deceived, yet are honest hearted we can only rely on his mercy and grace. While they may not be a part of the body of Christ we must remember that Christ gave his life as a Ransom for ALL! (1 Timothy 2:6). As part of that body, those who truly follow the commands of our Lord will be Kings and Priests when Jesus returns and his Kingdom rules! We will be commissioned to teach the true knowledge of Jesus and his Father! Never do we want to reject that grand privilege!

  14. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    I have spoken with many who have left the Watchtower organization who still cling to the two classes of Christian doctrine. They do not want to partake of the emblems because in their minds they want an earthly rather than a heavenly life. But does partaking have anything to do with where our final destiny is? Does partaking have any special significance whether we have some sort of special anointing? Is it in any way connected to the 144000 of Revelation? the following video answers these questions.
    Our Brother Eric Wilson has invited us to share in his Memorial Celebration that takes place on April 7th. We also will be sharing via Zoom on this website. Please feel free to join us as we commemorate the death of our Lord and Savior. He gave his life as a sacrificial lamb so that we might ALL gain everlasting life in the promised Paradise.
    https://youtu.be/L2griVlfIxo

  15. Ted R (Bible Student) says:

    The Easter Story
    In this video Chuck Missler presents a very interesting discourse regarding the trial and death of our Lord Jesus. He brings out a lot of points I never realized. Well worth watching.
    https://youtu.be/GyIz4oj_U6A

    • jacqueline says:

      TedR, I have the same post. You were on with me live yesterday then. I have seen this before and the part about Him taking Barrabas”s place was so on point. Every little tidbit of Jesus’ existence on earth had a fulfillment and enactment of what he has done for us. He was buried in the hill that he was crucified on among the wicked but in a rich man’s grave who had been in hiding. He borrowed the new grave for 3 days only.
      Jews believe after 4 days there is no hope of coming back to life so he waited four for Lazarus to show them he could.

  16. jacqueline says:

    Listening to a real-time presentation on the Trial and death of Jesus.
    One thing I am reminded of here is that when he was accused falsely,
    HE NEVER ANSWERED, He never said a mumbling word.
    That is what I needed to be reminded of during this attack time that comes around more nearing the celebration and the resurrection of Christ.
    Never say a word like Christ did when he was at his trial or under trials.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyIz4oj_U6A&feature=em-lsp

    • jacqueline says:

      TedR, I read this article and it is simply put so persons new to Christianity or those needing to rewire their brains and rethink long-held beliefs can understand it.

      I think most think and know about the Cross, Calgary, and the crucifixion.
      1Cor. 15:13 puts it all in a clear perspective:” And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”
      He is a King now, Matt. 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” I used to say he has POWER now, but he has always been powerful but now he has all Authority. He makes the decision and his Father amens it
      It is never too late in life to get to know Jesus and the enormous debt he paid for us and Jehovah who resurrected him and gave us hope of seeing our loved ones again and all of mankind.
      If the resurrection is true, then everything else promised in the Bible is true.
      Thanks for posting.

  17. jacqueline says:

    Warren I emailed Br. Dave for you just in case, so he could put you down for opening prayer.

  18. Bro. Dave says:

    Br. Lee Anthony:
    THANKS for all your research and your conclusion.
    I agree completely.
    Just one additional factor: Jerusalem time is SEVEN HOURS AHEAD of New York.
    I think that tidbit just adds to your conclusion.
    With all that in mind, I propose our Memorial Observation for 2020, be on April 7.
    We’ll chat about this Thursday and let everyone express their belief.

  19. jacqueline says:

    Lee Anthony, So we will wait while you and Dave get the info together and it will get posted.

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