Who’s at Your Table?
As we consider the events of one of the most pivotal evenings in Scripture, we need to note the significance of the setting—a meal. This isn't just any meal; it's the Last Supper. Jesus is dining with his disciples for the last time, making a profound impression before His crucifixion. This moment was so remarkable that John dedicates two full chapters to it. Before we dive into the text, let's consider a provocative question: Were the disciples saved at the time of the Last Supper? This question stirs much debate among Christians. Some believe the disciples were saved the moment they left everything to follow Jesus. Others point to Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” Some argue it was when Jesus breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Still, others contend it was not until the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost.
The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: at this point, the disciples were still in the process of formation. Jesus sat at the table with the twelve men who had been instrumental in his ministry for three years—his closest companions.
The Last Supper Begins
John 13:2 tells us, "The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus." Despite knowing what lay ahead—Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal—Jesus chose to share this meal with them. These men, spiritually confused yet deeply loving, were still not fully committed. They were in process, much like everyone else.
John 13:4-11 describes Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Peter initially resists, saying, “You shall never wash my feet.” But Jesus replies, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Peter then asks for his whole body to be washed. Jesus explains that once baptized, they are clean, but they still need to confess and be cleansed of daily sins. This act symbolizes Jesus' ongoing forgiveness and Peter’s next step towards deeper trust.
John 13:21-27 recounts Jesus predicting His betrayal, identifying Judas as the betrayer by giving him a piece of dipped bread. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him and Peter would deny him, Jesus still included them. He welcomed people regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
Even Jesus experienced betrayal. If he faced it, we should expect and endure similar experiences. John 14:1-10 emphasizes faithfulness and clarity. When Thomas expresses confusion about knowing the way, Jesus responds, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” This statement underscores Jesus’ exclusive path to the Father, stressing the importance of belief in him.
Moving One Step to the Right
Imagine a scale from 1 to 100, with 50 being the point of crossing the line of faith. People range from atheists and those wounded by religion at the lower end to paragons of virtue like Mother Teresa and Billy Graham at the higher end. Where were the disciples on this scale? Scholars debate, but the exact location is less important than the trajectory. Jesus focused on helping them take one step to the right, moving closer to him.
This concept is crucial: everyone is in process. Every person we sit down with at a table is on a journey, just as the disciples were. Whenever Jesus sat down at a table, He considered who was there and helped them take a step forward in their faith journey.
Jesus' inclusive approach challenges us. Do we exclude people because of their political views, addictions, or different backgrounds? Do we welcome those with different religious convictions? By being in relational proximity, we can influence others positively. This week, share a table with someone. Plan or make an invitation. Let's emulate Jesus, the friend of sinners, by loving, inviting, and being with people.
Blog adapted from May 26, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton
