Build a Bigger Table

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you, both to prison and to death.” Then Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:31-34

As Simon Peter followed Jesus and saw his amazing miracles and ways he commanded many situations, it was impossible for Peter to envision the crushing disappointment of his own weakness. Jesus reminds Peter and the others that in this life we have a still potent enemy who is sometimes given permission to “sift us like wheat”. View this video for the impact of Jesus’ metaphor.

Jesus’ assurance “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail” became not only Simon’s security in the midst of his human failure, but the security of all those who have followed Jesus over the centuries.

And He said to them, “When I sent you without money, bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning me have an end.” So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough” (35-38).

These words prepare the apostles for the resistance and battles they will face during and after Jesus accomplishes the world-changing events of the next few days and weeks. Jesus reminds them that all they needed was available when he earlier sent them out on their own – but they will now need to more thoughtfully prepare after Jesus returns to his Father.

Our culture’s traditions about the Way of Jesus sometimes contain ideas that give those who follow him the impression they should expect ongoing prosperity and ability to sail through any problem with ease. So when inevitable trials come that require perseverance, a few depart Jesus’ Way looking for easier answers.

Are you or a loved one in the midst of a “sifting”? Go to Psalm 62:1-2 for encouragement to never be shaken, see how Simon Peter learned to view sifting in 1 Peter 1:3-9, see what Jesus is now doing in Hebrews 7:25 or search the scriptures for more words promising God’s support, encouragement and presence. Meditate on what Jesus is saying to you about himself and his care for you and your loved ones.

By Kathleen Petersen

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest,and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27

If you’re familiar with the Gospels, you may remember that this night is not the first time the disciples have argued about who is the greatest. It’s happened before in their travels, yet here they are again, arguing.

We don’t necessarily argue with our friends about who is the greatest for God, but our culture certainly glorifies those we see as “great.” Everyone seems to be pursuing their 15 minutes of fame on social media. Athletes like Tom Brady and LeBron James – who are genuinely very, very good at their craft- are labeled the GOAT: “Greatest Of All Time.” Even in the church we are quick to elevate those we see as great, whether they are a preacher, singer, or the leader of a well-known church.

In this pursuit of greatness, whether for ourselves or in those we follow, we often forget that Jesus, the greatest of all, God in the flesh, became a servant and asks us to become one too. John’s Gospel tells us that during this very dinner with his friends, he humbled himself and washed their feet (John 13:4-17). The Apostle Paul reminds us that not only did Jesus humble himself and become obedient to death, we are supposed to be like him (Philippians 2:1-11)!

Where do you see God giving you an opportunity to serve others instead of striving for recognition? Try taking him up on that opportunity, but don’t seek praise or acknowledgement for doing so. Did you find it easy or difficult? What did it teach you about Jesus’ character to serve in this way?

By Jessica Rust

But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. Luke 22:21-23 NIV

Can you picture this Passover meal? In an upper room in a home in Jerusalem – only Jesus and his disciples – sharing this special Passover meal. But there are so many other undercurrents as well. Jesus tells his closest friends that one of them who is eating with them – will betray him. In fact, Judas Iscariot has already made an arrangement with the chief priests and teachers of the law. Judas has agreed to betray Jesus – for money – at a time when no crowds are around Jesus. Jesus’ disciples look around the room at each other and are disbelieving that any of them would betray Jesus.

Yet in the next moment, “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest,” Luke 22:24. Jesus has just told them about the new covenant, about how his body will be broken and his blood shed, yet they are now arguing over which of the disciples is greatest? It seems to me Jesus’ closest friends are not grasping the importance of this night at all. Instead, they are acting much more like a dysfunctional family – pointing fingers at each other, trying to make themselves more important or more valuable than everyone else.

Very soon, this group of men will be unable to stay awake and pray for, or with, Jesus. Peter will deny Jesus three times and most of the others will hide. John was at the foot of the cross, but we are not told at all where the other disciples were when Jesus was crucified. The disciples were just men. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. These men disappoint Jesus in his final hours before his crucifixion.

What about you and I? Have we done things, said things, failed to do something, or failed to say something that Jesus wanted us to do? Both Peter and Judas fail to live up to what they could have done. But the difference between them is Peter talks with Jesus after his resurrection, and his relationship is restored. It is good for us to do the same. Take some time to examine your heart, ask God to reveal to you anything you need to confess and ask forgiveness for. Jesus will be faithful to restore your relationship with him just as he did with Peter.

By Grace Hunter

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:14-20

Having had the opportunity to travel in both Europe and Israel, I am always awestruck by the amazing artwork dating back centuries, if not millenia. While I love the portraits and the grand scenes depicting great battles or significant people, the ones that stick with me most are those depicting the Last Supper. One of my favorites is Last Supper, a fresco by Cosimo Rosselli within the Sistine Chapel. It depicts the scene of the Last Supper, emphasizing the cup on the table and the “bread,” depicted behind the table in a triptych of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, His arrest, and His Crucifixion.

This is not a pleasant meal for Jesus or the disciples. Jesus has just told them that, at the table, one of this group of friends is about to betray Him, leading to His death. He provides them with the breaking of the bread as the symbol of His body being broken for them and us, dying for our sins. He then provides them with the wine as a symbol of His blood and covenant with us, that through His death and Resurrection, He is removing the barriers to our being free of sin as we follow Him.

When Jesus engages the disciples in the partaking of the elements, the bread and the cup, He is establishing a legacy to remind us of His sacrifice and His promise. We are told in 1 Corinthians 11:26 that “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” We are left with a tangible reminder of His sacrifice and the removal of our sins through the Cross.

This week, take the time around your table to break bread and drink wine (or juice) in remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice and promise to us. Feel free to pray the following prayer from Veit Dietrich, the German theologian, after you take the elements.

O Lord God, heavenly Father, we praise and thank You… By Your Holy Spirit, help us to use this gift worthily, to confess and forsake our sins, to confidently believe that we are forgiven through Christ, and to grow in faith and love day by day until we come at last to the joy of eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

By John Egland

Then the day for the feast of Unleavened Bread came, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us to eat.” They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?” He said to them, “Listen, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters, and tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large furnished room upstairs. Make preparations there.” So they went and found things just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. Luke 22:7-13

For over 3,000 years the Jewish people have celebrated the Passover meal in remembrance of God’s miraculous deliverance liberating them from slavery in Egypt. God’s original command was to hold this meal in individual homes with extended family. The Passover celebration did not require a house of worship since the blood of the lamb sacrificed for each household marked that home as a sanctuary of protection against the angel of death.

Luke 22:7-13 depicts Jesus directing his disciples to prepare the Passover family meal for his intimate group of faithful followers. The narrative in and around this meal shows Jesus was fully aware of imminent forces of danger and darkness. Several details imply the location of the room for their celebration was a secret, unknown to those who were plotting Jesus’ death (Luke 22:1-6).

As the Passover meal commenced, Jesus’ tone became intensely emotional: Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). Jesus’ passion revealed the significance of his choosing this intimate venue and its sacred celebration to convey the profound details of his sacrifice and better covenant: “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20).

Occasionally, an invitation to your table requires exclusion rather than open welcome. Many times a joyous, inclusive gathering is best. Other situations involve limiting your guest list to Jesus’ faithful followers so all can more fully partake in the complex riches of God’s kingdom.

Are there followers of Jesus who are precious to you? Do you desire to share a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what he envisions? Plan to encourage those few by preparing a special, intimate gathering. Bonus idea: Include a seat for Jesus at the meal!

By Kathleen Petersen

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Luke 19:8

Our access to a massive amount of ideas through the internet is sometimes overwhelming. We might be prodded by ideas for self-improvement and prescriptions to improve living conditions for others, to just “do something!”. However, the weight of possibilities can also be paralyzing.

As Christians, we have time-honored ways to address this whirlwind of ideas for restoring ourselves and others. When we are pressed to take a stand to supply instant answers to perennial problems, we can be prepared with a solid understanding of “The way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus”.

When we study the life of Jesus, we find that simple encounters with him radically change hearts…or not. He doesn’t chase after those who resist him or force them into restoration. He’s looking for a change of heart and instinctively invites those who are ready for entry into his community of faith. We find such an encounter with the tax collector Zacchaeus.

After Jesus told Zacchaeus to invite him home to dinner, Zacchaeus had a heart response that shocked everyone who “knew” tax collectors treated everyone like dirt. Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Luke 19:8

If we focus on Jesus’ ways and ask him to bring to mind anyone we have treated poorly, he will give us a change of heart, especially as we read the scriptures. When we present Jesus to others in an uncomplicated way, we might see surprising responses to him. But the type of response we receive is not up to us.

Are you wondering if you should contact someone made unhappy by your actions? Ask Jesus what he wants in that relationship. Also, ask Jesus to help you present him to others in an uncomplicated way.

By Kathleen Petersen

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:22-27

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly… But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Luke 19:5-6, 8

The headline blares: “THE COMBINED WEALTH OF THE WORLD’S TOP TEN BILLIONAIRES IS GREATER THAN THE TOTAL GDP OF THE 85 POOREST COUNTRIES ON EARTH.” Most of the billionaires’ names are household words…Musk, Bezos, Gates, Zuckerberg, Buffet, Page. Some onlookers long for such wealth, some want to redistribute it, and some are content with what they have.

The Gospel of Luke’s account of Jesus’ encounters with two extremely rich men is timeless. Even though Zacchaeus is named and the other man is designated only as a ruler, early readers of Luke’s gospel likely knew exactly who these men were. Riches and fame go together, impress many, and touch numerous lives.

As I contemplated these encounters with Jesus and the rich men, I noticed contrasts: how each man approached Jesus, how Jesus responded to their initiative, and their responses to Jesus.

The ruler asked a question about how to have eternal life; confident that his life of following the commandments would likely qualify for that reward. Zacchaeus humbly climbed a tree, excited to catch just a glimpse of Jesus.

Jesus challenged the ruler “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”…the ruler had overlooked the most critical element in his self-assessment. Jesus picked Zacchaeus out of the crowd and said “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” and he complied.

The final responses of the two men to Jesus are most revealing.

The ruler became “very sad” as his heart was closed to such a radical change. This was not surprising to Jesus. He said to the ruler “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Jesus then turned to his disciples “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Just a few miles later Zacchaeus astounded everyone (and still does) with his heart’s unsolicited response: “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

When have you seen Jesus prompt the impossible? Rejoice and thank him for what he’s done.

By Kathleen Petersen

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19:4

A few weeks ago, we had a church picnic on one of the hottest days of the year. Most of us adults sat under the little puddles of shade available… but not the kids. They were having a ball running in the grass, playing on the playground, climbing the trees. I went up to one boy high up in a tree and asked if he wanted some help down. He said, “Naw. I’m good.”… and then he jumped. I mean this was a big jump! I held my breath ‘cause it looked like he jumped down about three times his height. He was fine like it was no big deal and he went running off. Oh, to be a kid again!

Zacchaeus did the same kid-like thing – he climbed up a tree but he did it to get a better view of Jesus. His curiosity about this visiting rabbi made him get up the nerve to go in that sycamore tree – robes, turbans, whatever, and all.

Not exactly what a dignified, wealthy businessman would be caught doing. Maybe that’s too bad for us – are we too dignified (or prideful) to do something child-like… when needed?

Luke 19:3 says , “he (Zacchaeus) wanted to see Jesus”. You can stretch that word “wanted” to “desired”. You can even get the sense that his insides were “demanding” to see Jesus. So much so that he’d even climb a tree to satisfy his demanding curiosity.

Jesus said in the chapter just before this “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17) Now, don’t think you’ve got to go out and climb a tree to add to your “come to Jesus moments”, but I do wonder if we’ve ever been able to set aside our pride long enough to simply do some undignified trusting… maybe some topsy-turvey believing… maybe being playfully willing to go out on a limb with Him. Remember that love you had for Him at first?

Oh, to be a kid again!

By Dan Elliott

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18:35-43

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:4-5

“Lord, I want to see!”

Sit with those words for a minute.

What do you sense in these words? Desperation? Hope?

Separated by status and ability, the blind man and Zacchaeus still had one thing in common: they wanted to see. And they were willing to do somewhat desperate things to do so.

Have you ever felt this longing in your heart? A desperation to see that only Jesus could fulfill? Whether you have 20/20 vision or you need glasses or contacts, all of us have a spiritual blindness that needs to be cured.

Listen to “Amazing Grace” today. If you are open to it, sing along. If you are a follower of Jesus, ask him what blindspots he is trying to shed light on in your life.

By Jessica Rust

When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” Luke 14:15-24 NIV

Have you ever been invited to a lavish wedding? Remember the food, the flowers, the people dressed in their best clothes and the spirit of joy that pervades the whole occasion? The parable Jesus taught in Luke 14:15-24 has a similar setting. Except – the guests who had received their invitations, who had responded they would love to attend, then at the last minute gave lame excuses for why they could not attend. In Jesus’ parable the host is of course visibly upset with his invited guests’ last minute decision to snub him and his invitation. In this parable, God is the host, the Jewish nation are the invited guests, and the gentiles and sinners are the lame, the poor, and the blind who are invited to fill the banquet hall.

Would you want to get one of these last-minute invitations? Remember, this is a lavish banquet, a feast that everyone will be talking about and remembering for the rest of time. The feast Jesus is talking about will happen in heaven and it will include everyone who has accepted Jesus’ invitation to become a part of God’s family. Wealth, social status, physical abilities, skin color, nationality and gender will not matter at this banquet. The guest who says, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God,” Luke 14:15a, assumes all Jewish people will be at this feast. Jesus teaches in this parable that not all who are invited will actually want to attend.

How about you? Read these verses and understand that God is inviting you to his banquet feast.

“I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one. ’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.” Hosea 2:23 NIV

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 NIV

“Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9b. NIV

Watch and listen to this video of “Come to the Table” by Sidewalk Prophets and think about its message.

By Grace Hunter