Luke 22:14-23, New Revised Standard Version

Relationships are at the forefront of Jesus’ movement.  Taking steps toward the cross, Jesus is making his last stop at a table.  At this table Jesus adds some elements to the Passover Meal.  Broken bread (his body) and the poured-out cup (the blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world).  Time is ticking and Jesus takes a seat with his community that will take his message into the world.

Jesus has done some amazing teachings at tables, but this theological teaching is more memorable than any other teaching.  Out of the twenty-three parables in Luke’s Gospel, more than fifteen (or almost 70 percent) of them are at tables with food.  Jesus is at his Last Supper, the meal intended to remind the disciples of their faith.  Just as God gave us bread to build the body and wine to gladden our hearts.  John Calvin wrote, Jesus gave us the blood of Christ in sacrament to “exhilarate our souls.”  Our salvation is not through rules, rituals, or religious principles.  Our salvation comes through a God who comes to eat with us at tables and to feed us with his very presence.

Jesus is leaving the disciples with a table of liturgy.  And he begins with REMEMBER!  As we come to the table of remembrance, Jesus is the true Head of our Table.

Remember, Jesus desires communion with us!
When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him.   Luke 22:14

Remember Jesus offers his life for us!
Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”  And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”   Luke 22:19-20

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“It’s the Lord ’s table, we are only guests!”