The King's Table

Hungry this morning? Do you know that you have a seat at the table? Jesus did much of His ministry against the backdrop of the imagery of food -a shared meal. It was more than supplying hungry people with something to eat, as important as that is, but even more, it was also supplying a place where we belong - where a place is set for us - a place where we are welcome.

Jesus created quite a stir, because of who He indicated was welcome at the table. People who we would think might not have a place or even be welcome in the room. But at the King's table everyone has a place, because it is a place of forgiveness and beginning again. It is a place of welcome. It is a place where Jesus provides freely, because what Jesus shares is Himself.

But sitting at the table involves not only accepting the invitation to come and know we are forgiven, but becoming a part of the fellowship around the table as well, as we are invited to pray, "forgive us of our sins, as we also forgive those who sin against us." Sitting at the table is not only about responding and receiving for ourselves, but becoming different people who now extend that same grace to others. This is not something that happens lightly. The meal that Jesus provides comes to us through a profound avenue of vulnerability, and invites us to engage others around us in the same way.

There is much in our lives that resists what the table invites us to - both in terms of accepting our own forgiveness, and in extending that grace to others. But in spite of the resistance, the invitation remains. The healing awaits. The life beckons. This is what Pastor Jon invites to consider this morning as he shares his insights in preparation for the celebration of the Lord's Supper. If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library here. If you would like to enjoy the livestream version, you can access that here.

John 13

ESV

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,[d] ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

31 . . . Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”