Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. -1 Corinthians 5:7.
The Watchtower society teaches that the Memorial of Christ’s death is a replacement for the Passover.
If this is indeed the case, it is appropriate to ask: Who was it that celebrated the Passover under the old covenant? Would this not have meaning for those observing the Memorial which replaced it? Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1, answers:
“The alien resident who had become a circumcised worshiper was bound to one law with the Israelites, that is, to obey all the terms of the Law covenant. -Leviticus 24:22. A few examples are: He was required to keep the Sabbath -Exodus 20:10; 23:12. and to celebrate the Passover (Numbers 9:14; Exodus 12:48-49) the Festival of Unfermented Cakes (Exodus 12:19), the Festival of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:10-11) the Festival of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-14) and the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29, 30) He could offer sacrifices (Numbers 15:14) and had to do so in the same manner as prescribed for the natural Israelite (Numbers 15:15-16) His offerings were to be unblemished (Leviticus 22:18-20) and brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting just as was done by the natural Israelite (Leviticus 17:8-9) He could not engage in any false worship (Leviticus 20:2; Ezekiel 14:7) —Insight on the Scriptures volume-1 page 73 Alien Resident.
As is acknowledged above, since it was not just the natural Israelites who celebrated the Passover, but the alien resident was also required to do so, then what should we conclude regarding that which replaced it, the Memorial of Christ’s death? Is it meant for only an elite few? Under the Mosaic Law, was the alien resident simply a spectator? On the contrary, to the natural Israelites Jehovah said:
“The alien resident should prove to be the same as you before Jehovah. There should prove to be one law and one judicial decision for you and for the alien resident who is residing as an alien with you.” -Numbers 15:15-16.
What do you suppose Jehovah’s response would have been if the priests had taken it upon themselves to forbid the alien resident from observing the Passover, claiming it was meant only for them as priests, although inviting the alien resident to come and watch? —Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Isaiah 10:2; Matthew 23:13, 15, 27-28.
At the October 2014 Annual Meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses, David Splane, member of the governing body, gave a talk entitled “Types and Antitypes. Towards the end he concluded:
“Well how would you sum up this talk in a few words?
The wrong answer is, “We don’t believe in types and antitypes anymore.” We do! We certainly do. Where the scriptures identify them as such, we embrace them.”
This was further explained in the March 15, 2015 Watchtower:
In times past, it was more common for our literature to take what might be called a type-antitype approach to Scriptural accounts. The Bible narrative was considered the type, and any prophetic fulfillment of the story was the antitype. Is there a Scriptural basis for prophetic pictures? Yes. For instance, Jesus spoke of “the sign of Jonah the prophet.” -Read Matthew 12:39-40. Jesus explained that Jonah’s sojourn in the belly of the fish—which would have been Jonah’s grave had Jehovah not preserved him alive—was prophetic of Jesus’ own time in the grave.
The Bible contains other inspired prophetic pictures. The apostle Paul discussed a number of them. For example, Abraham’s relationship with Hagar and Sarah provided a prophetic picture of Jehovah’s relationship with the nation of Israel and the heavenly part of God’s organization. -Galatians 4:22-26. Similarly, the tabernacle and the temple, Atonement Day, the high priest, and other facets of the Mosaic Law contained “a shadow of the good things to come.” -Hebrews 9:23-25; 10:1. It is fascinating and faith-strengthening to study such prophetic pictures. -The Watchtower March 15, 2015 page 9 paragraphs. 7-8.
In light of the words of the Apostle Paul, clearly identifying Christ as our Passover, would this not be an appropriate time to embrace it as a type of the Memorial?
But what would God’s law regarding treatment of the alien resident typify?
“‘One judicial decision will apply for you, whether a foreign resident or a native, because I am Jehovah your God.’” -Leviticus 24:22.
There should be one law and one judicial decision for you and for the foreigner who is residing with you.’” -Numbers 15:16.
You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s offspring, heirs with reference to a promise. -Galatians 3:26-29.
“where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythʹi·an, slave, or freeman; but Christ is all things and in all. -Colossians 3:11.
“So you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens of the holy ones and are members of the household of God, -Ephesians 2:19.
“One body there is, and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. -Ephesians 4:4-6.
“Christ is the end of the law. That being the case, there is no longer a distinction between Jew and alien resident. All are members of God’s household. In the absence of any contrary command, it is clear that Jesus’ instruction to “keep doing this in remembrance of me,” applies to all of his disciples. -1 Corinthians 11:26.
Who has the authority to contradict and overrule what Jesus commanded? When we come together to celebrate the Memorial we have the opportunity, by partaking of the emblems, to demonstrate our understanding of what the bread and wine represent, and thereby express our heartfelt appreciation for the ransom that God provided by means of his Son, which makes possible our precious relationship with Him, and leads to everlasting life! —John 3:16.
The Mosaic Law has meaning for us because it “has become our tutor leading to Christ,”. The treatment of the alien resident then becomes a fitting picture of the unity that would exist in the Christian congregation. There is no such thing as a Christian alien resident that participates in the celebration of the Memorial of Christ’s death merely by being an onlooker. According to the Bible all Christians partake.
But the one who guarantees that you and we belong to Christ and the one who anointed us is God. He has also put his seal on us and has given us the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit, in our hearts. -2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.
So, then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh; for if you live according to the flesh, you are sure to die; but if you put the practices of the body to death by the spirit, you will live. For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons. -Romans 8:12-14.
To teach otherwise is clearly a matter of going “beyond the things that are written.”
Seeing that Jehovah had one statute for both, the native Israelite and the alien resident, why are we being taught that there are two separate statutes today: one for the anointed and another for everyone else?
Consider this prophetic type appealed to in the Watchtower:
“SPEAKING of the time in which we are living, Jehovah foretold: “In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: ‘We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” -Zechariah 8:23. Like the figurative ten men, those who have an earthly hope have taken “firm hold of the robe of a Jew.” They are proud to associate with the spirit-anointed “Israel of God,” knowing that Jehovah is blessing his anointed ones.—Galatians 6:16. -The Watchtower January 2016 study edition page 22 paragraph 1.
Why does the Watchtower refer to Zechariah’s prophecy about ten men taking hold of the robe of a Jew and apply this to those with an earthly hope in the Christian congregation when Galatians clearly teaches that the spirit anointed “Israel of God” is made up of both Jews and non-Jews?
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in union with Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28)
It has to do with the understanding of Jesus words in Luke 22:29:
“and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom (Luke 22:29)
The Watchtower Society explains that the “covenant for a kingdom” is “a special covenant” between only Jesus and the 144,000 who will rule with him in his kingdom:
“On the night that Jesus instituted the Memorial of his death, he told his faithful apostles: “You are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.” -Luke 22:28-30. Jesus here referred to a special covenant that he made with his 144,000 spirit-begotten brothers, who would remain “faithful even to death” and prove themselves ‘conquerors.’—Revelation 2:10; 3:21.
Those of this limited group forgo all hopes of living forever on earth as humans of flesh and blood. They will reign with Christ in heaven, sitting on thrones to judge humankind. (Revelation 20:4, 6) Let us now examine other scriptures that apply only to these anointed ones and that show why the “other sheep” do not partake of the Memorial emblems.—John 10:16.” -The Watchtower February 15, 2006 page 22.
First of all, it should be noted that nowhere in Luke does the number 144,000 appear. The Watchtower society states that on the night of the final passover Jesus was speaking to only 11 of his disciples.[1] Secondly, why is John 10:16 cited here? Jesus says nothing about other sheep in this discussion. When Jesus did speak about the other sheep in John chapter 10, he said nothing about their not partaking of the Memorial emblems. On the contrary, he said that they would all become one flock, under one shepherd. Also, nothing is said about how many would eventually “sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel”. The article then promises to examine other scriptures that apply only to these anointed ones. Yet Witnesses are taught that all Christians in the first century were anointed ones.[2]
Insight on the Scriptures states:
“In the Christian congregation all persons, regardless of their social status, enjoyed the same standing. All were anointed by the same spirit and thus shared in the same hope as members of one body. -1Corinthians 12:12, 13; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11. Insight on the Scriptures volume 2 page 979.
Of course that would mean that any scripture chosen would have to apply to anointed Christians. However, it would also logically have to mean that there would be no scriptures that could possibly apply to a separate group. Hence anyone claiming that there is such a group would be unable to support that claim scripturally. They would be going beyond the things that are written. Paragraph 13 of the Watchtower article then goes on to explain:
“Since sharing in the bread and wine passed during the Memorial involves all of this, it would obviously be inappropriate for those having an earthly hope to partake. Those with an earthly hope discern that they themselves are not anointed members of the body of Christ, nor are they in the new covenant that Jehovah made with those who will rule with Jesus Christ. Since “the cup” represents the new covenant, only those in the new covenant partake of the emblems. Those looking forward to everlasting life in human perfection on earth under the Kingdom are neither baptized into Jesus’ death nor called to rule with him in heaven. Were they to partake of the emblems, it would signify something that is not true with respect to them. Thus, they do not partake, though they do attend the Memorial as respectful observers. They are thankful for all that Jehovah has done for them by means of his Son, including the extending of forgiveness on the basis of Christ’s shed blood.” -The Watchtower February 15, 2006 page 24 paragraph 13.
As for the statements “it would obviously be inappropriate for those having an earthly hope to partake”, “they themselves are not anointed members of the body of Christ”, “nor are they in the new covenant”, “though they do attend the Memorial as respectful observers”, not one scripture is cited in support. Why? Because there are no scriptures that speak of non-anointed Christians with an earthly hope. The only way they could discern that they themselves are not anointed members of the body of Christ is because they are told this in the Watchtower. And every year around Memorial time there appears an article similar to this one that is meant to discourage Witnesses from partaking:
HAS JEHOVAH ANOINTED YOU?
Perhaps you are wondering if you have been anointed by holy spirit. If so, think about these important questions: Do you have a burning desire to do Jehovah’s will? Do you feel that you are especially zealous in the preaching work? Are you a keen student of God’s Word who loves to learn about “the deep things of God”? -1 Corinthians 2:10. Do you feel that Jehovah has given you wonderful results in the preaching work? Do you have a deep inner feeling of responsibility to help others spiritually? Have you seen proof that Jehovah has helped you in many specific ways in your life? If you answer these questions with a resounding yes, does this prove that you now have the heavenly calling? No, it does not. Why not? Because all of God’s servants can feel this way, whether they are anointed or not. And by means of his holy spirit, Jehovah can give the same power to any of his servants, no matter what their hope is. In fact, if you are wondering whether you have been anointed by holy spirit, such doubt in itself would mean that you have not been. Those called by Jehovah do not wonder whether they have been anointed or not! They know!
Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of men of faith who received holy spirit; yet, they did not have the hope of living in heaven. David was guided by holy spirit. -1 Samuel 16:13. Holy spirit helped him to understand the deep things about Jehovah and also directed him to write parts of the Bible. -Mark 12:36. Even so, the apostle Peter said that David “did not ascend to the heavens.” -Acts 2:34. John the Baptist was “filled with holy spirit.” -Luke 1:13-16. Jesus said that there was no man greater than John, but then he said that John would not be included in the heavenly Kingdom.-(Matthew 11:10-11. Jehovah used his holy spirit to give these men the power to do amazing things, but he did not use that spirit to choose them to live in heaven. Does this mean that they were less faithful than those chosen to rule in heaven? No. It simply means that Jehovah will bring them back to life in Paradise on earth.—John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.
The vast majority of God’s servants on earth today do not have the hope of living in heaven. Like Abraham, Sarah, David, John the Baptist, and many other men and women in Bible times, they look forward to living on earth when God’s Kingdom will rule over them.—Hebrews 11:10. -The Watchtower January 2020 study edition pages 23-25 paragraphs 15-17.
According to this reasoning, Jehovah could just as easily use his holy spirit to give members of the great crowd the power to interpret scripture without choosing them to live in heaven. It would be interesting to see if members of the earthly class would, at some time in the future, be allowed to become members of the governing body.
But where does Jesus or Paul say that there are two classes of Christians, one a ruling class, the other subjects? Where do either of them say that only a special group of Christians are in the Kingdom Covenant? Again, there is no such scripture. However, on the contrary note what Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians:
One body there is, and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. -Ephesians 4:4-6.
From where then did the teaching of two classes of Christians come? For an answer to this question see the article “Who Are the Other Sheep?“
[1] See The Watchtower March 15, 2015 page 29 paragraph 15
[2] See The Watchtower January 2020 study edition page 30 paragraph 14
2 replies on “Christ Our Passover”
Hi Jerome,
A nicely summarised exposé, my friend.
Here is another relevant text that further corroborates the thrust of your argument:
What this deuteronomical passage reveals is that the alien resident was explicitly incorporated as a party to the old covenant arrangement. As such, even if it were true that the great crowd were somehow a typology for the Israelite alien resident, it would not follow that these ones ought to be excluded from God’s new covenant arrangement, and thus participate in the Lord’s Supper.
As a result, the Organisation is doubly in error here. Firstly, they are in error for constructing an abstruse covenantal typology and making it dogma – but even worse – they are in error for not even applying their own typology consistently!
If all Christians are engaged in warfare against the spiritual powers, this must mean that the Devil is likewise engaged in spiritual warfare with them (cf. 2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:12). To be sure, Satan has been exposed as waging a war with those who are left of the woman’s seed and that such a war is still ongoing (Rev. 12:17). Still, what has the issue of partaking of the Lord’s Supper got to do with spiritual warfare?
Because in any war victory cannot be achieved without reducing your opponent’s strength of numbers; and what better way to reduce the seed’s numbers than to deceive a greater number into thinking that they ought not to be numbered among the seed at all!
Truly, this is spiritual warfare at its most cunning!
Yes! The society is caught in a double bind by saying apply this part of the law but not this part. Thanks for the additional scriptural support.