March / April 2016

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“Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24 NASB). These words of our Lord through the Apostle Paul remind us of the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the privilege and responsibility we have to remember them by celebrating the Lord’s Memorial. By his death as a perfect man, Jesus secured redemption notonly for the faithful church but for all mankind.

Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated both God’s acceptance of his sacrifice and the power God would employ to fulfill all of His promises to the church, Israel, and mankind. The privilege to remember these in the Memorial service is both a sacred responsibility and a great joy.

This issue of the Herald focuses on the last week of Jesus’ ministry, his institution of the Memorial, his death and resurrection and the benefits that accrue to us through that death and resurrection.

The first article, “Our Lord’s Last Seven Days,” reviews highlights of the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From his determination to go to Jerusalem, the anointing by Mary, his final public teachings and interaction with the scribes and Pharisees, to the quiet moments with his disciples, this article draws lessons that we can apply in our Christian walk.

“Riding into Jerusalem” looks into details regarding Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  It examines the spiritual lessons provided by the animal Jesus rode and by finding the animals at a place “where two ways met” (Mark 11:4). Jesus’ confrontation with the money changers is also considered.

The third article, “The Memorial,” focuses on Jesus instituting the Memorial ceremony and what it means for us. It considers the meaning of both the bread and the cup and the privilege of our sharing the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifice.

“Let Us Keep the Feast” looks into the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5:8.  It examines the similarity between the Passover, Jesus’ statement in John chapter 6 about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, and the Memorial service.

The next article, “Our Lord’s Resurrection Appearances,” reviews each of our Lord’s ten post‑resurrection appearances to his disciples, the similarities and differences between each, and the spiritual lessons we can gain from them.

The final article, “He is Risen,” looks at the relationship between Jesus’ resurrection and His ransom sacrifice. It examines how the four steps of the ransoming process are fulfilled by our Lord.

May the articles of this issue help each of us in the preparation of our hearts and lives for the observance of this most sacred feast.