On the way to Easter Sunday . . . A Farewell Dinner?

We have discovered this Lenten Season that Jesus was comfortable with people gathered around the table. Much of Jesus’ ministry was about bringing to the table all kinds of people – unexpected guests - outcasts – unacceptable – marginalized – normal people like you and me.


As we have come to this table, we have witnessed Jesus having a drink with a woman at the well. Jesus dining at the table with those that despised him most – the Pharisees. Jesus even ate at the table with the tax collectors and other sinners and the elite of the day complained! He fed thousands at a party on a hillside on at least two occasions and the crowds wanted more! And when the crowds came He welcomed them. Jesus welcomed everyone that came to sit at His table.

It seems fitting on this journey with Jesus that He would choose to spend His final evening of earthly ministry with His disciples at the table. This is sort of a farewell dinner, but it is not like most. The one leaving is hosting the party and although the guests don’t quite understand it ... yet ... the purpose of this evening is not to bring to an end the ministry of Christ, but rather it is to herald the beginning of a new feast, a new banquet.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Everyone is at the table this evening – yes – even Judas is at this table – we should never forget that all are at this table. This night at the table Jesus creates a new set of new rules for all that would come to this table:

1. All will be invited regardless of circumstances.
2. All will be given a chance to respond to the invitation regardless of their past.
3. The invitation to this table will be personal.

This table represents the Last Supper for Jesus as He promises:

Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Mark 14:25

It is important for us to remember that this invitation to the table is still being given today. Whether it is an invitation to come to the table again or for the very first time . . .

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26

You are invited to be a part of this table. Just as you are Jesus invites you to His table. Will you join Him?

I must caution you as you come to the table ... there is a temptation to want to linger at the table. There is a temptation to want to stay, but just as we come to the table Jesus beckons us to go. Go into the world and live the faith you have discovered while dining at His table.