Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses: Why Offer Bread and Wine During Their Virtual Memorial
Jehovah's Witnesses often receive questions and assumptions about their practices, particularly during their Memorial services. It's important to clarify these misunderstandings and shed light on the practices and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. This article aims to provide insight into why they offer bread and wine during their Memorial, thus countering any misconceptions or false assumptions.
Common Misconceptions
There is a common misconception that offering bread and wine during their Memorial event may be considered idolatry by some Jehovah's Witnesses. Some people might associate this practice with idol worship, possibly referencing cultural or spiritual beliefs involving statues, crosses, or other religious symbols. It is important to understand that Jehovah's Witnesses do not worship the bread and wine. Instead, they regard these elements as symbols of the sacrifice Jesus made for the salvation of humanity.
The Correct Practice and Its Background
The Memorial, or Lord's Evening Meal, is a significant part of Jehovah's Witnesses' faith. During this event, the bread and wine are passed to all present participants as a symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made. However, only those who believe they are part of the anointed will actually partake of the bread and wine. This is a call to faith, acknowledging that the exact number of the anointed is not known. The whole number has not been sealed yet, as the tribulation has not begun (see Revelation 7:1-3).
During the Memorial, the bread and wine are not worshiped. They are symbolic items that represent Jesus' sacrifice. The passage of these items to all present participants is an act of sharing and unity, not of worship.
Biblical Context and Theology
According to Hebrews 8:10-13, the Lord's Evening Meal commemorates a new covenant established through Jesus' shedding of blood. Only those who have been called by God in a special way and are of the anointed class participate in the actual partaking of the bread and wine. In Hebrews 9:15 and Luke 22:20, it is further explained that this is for those who are part of this new covenant. Those of the anointed are those chosen to rule in heaven with Christ (see Luke 22:28-30 and Revelation 5:9-10 and 14:1-3).
For those who hope to live on the earth, they do not partake, but they do participate in the symbolic act of laying aside their former life and presenting themselves as dead to sin (1John 2:2). This act of laying aside former life is a key part of their faith and understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on their behalf.
Why Offer Bread and Wine During a Virtual Memorial?
During the current pandemic, with public meetings halted, Jehovah's Witnesses still offer the bread and wine during their Memorial. This is because they believe that the Memorial should include everyone in attendance, regardless of whether they are part of the anointed class. As such, the bread and wine sit on the coffee table during the virtual meeting, ready to be passed if someone chooses to partake.
This practice is rooted in the belief that no one can be sure of who has been or will be called to the anointed class, and therefore the offer is made to everyone as a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice. This reflected unity and shared belief in the practice of the Memorial, even in the absence of a physical meeting.
Conclusion
Understanding the practices and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, especially during their Memorial, is crucial for countering misconceptions and fostering mutual respect. Offering bread and wine during their virtual Memorial is a symbolic act of faith, unity, and hope. It is not an act of idol worship, but a profound expression of faith and belief in the resurrection and the anticipation of the Kingdom of God.