Come To The Table

“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.”

(Matthew 9:10, ESV)

As we approach Communion this Sunday, we will consider the manner in which we approach the Lord’s Table … but I would suggest the Lord’s Table is not only part of Communion.

In Matthew 9, Jesus invites Matthew, a tax collector, one of the most judged members of society, to follow Him and be one of His disciples. As Matthew accepts the invitation, Jesus joins him for a meal at his house … and the people of Matthew’s life also joins them at the table. Jesus receives these people even though they were considered “sinners” by the religious folks; He is judged by the Pharisees for even interacting with them.

The Lord’s Table is not only the Communion Table or a future heavenly reality for us. Our lives also serve as the Lord’s Table, inviting others in to be with us as we are with Christ, to follow us as we follow Christ (1st Corinthians 11.1). The table is a place / a means of service.

In what way are we using the “table” Jesus has given us to serve one another / to disciple and edify one another? In what way are we inviting people to our table in order to reveal Christ to them?