spirit. (Rom. 8:16, 24; 1 Cor. 11:27-29) Occasionally there are some former partakers who have come to realize that their relationship to God is not that of an anointed son. They should properly cease partaking, but this would not be an indication that they have become unfaithful. It is just that their personal relationship with Jehovah has become clarified as being one with a earthly hope.

Those counted as partakers are those known as faithful, baptized servants of God. We do not invite disfellowshiped persons to attend. But if such a one is present, there is no reason to be disturbed if he is seated in a row with others and proceeds to partake of the emblems. Such a one is not counted, in any case, as a partaker.

It is always a joy to see so many new ones attending the Memorial celebration. After the program, an occasion for happy fellowship is enjoyed with the new ones and with one another. This joyful fellowship is truly upbuilding and encouraging to everyone. The evening’s program, if it is reflected upon, always gives much food for thought with grateful appreciation to Jehovah, reminding us of all that He has done out of love for us through our Ransomer, Jesus Christ our Lord. (Matt. 20:28; 1 Pet. 3:15) Upon arriving home after the program, a family of Jehovah’s witnesses may spend time discussing the meaning of this significant occasion. All of this helps to bring the family closer together and spiritually enriches them.

The elders make careful plans for an adequate Lord’s Evening Meal celebration for the local congregation. On this one night, in all parts of the globe, the hearts and minds of Jehovah’s dedicated people, the anointed and those of the “great crowd,” being unitedly assembled, give praise to our Sovereign God, Jehovah. They give thanks again to Jesus Christ our Ransomer who demonstrated his great love for us by surrendering his human life for our recovery. Annually the anointed remnant and the “great crowd” delight to commemorate him as the Messianic world conqueror.​—John 16:33.

Matthew’s Good News​—The Messiah Has Come!

WHO was this Matthew, the writer of the Gospel bearing his name? He was a humble, honest, well-educated Jew whom Jesus chose to be one of his twelve apostles.

Was he a humble man? Yes, for Matthew himself candidly reveals that he had been one of the tax collectors, so despised by the Jews of his time. Unlike many of those tax collectors, Matthew must have been honest. If he had been otherwise, would Jesus have called him to be his follower while he was still sitting at his tax office? And he must have had a good education, for scholars say that the Greek of his Gospel is among the best found in the Greek Scriptures. He evidently used