Maundy Thursday: To The Table

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When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said,“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

Matthew 26:20-21 (NIV)

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Today, we put our thoughts on 'Disciplined Discipleship' on hold. Today, on this Maundy Thursday we reflect on the events of Holy Week. Today, we look at one of the places where Jesus consistently engaged with and taught people from all walks of life, important lessons. Today, we reflect upon His table.

At the start of this time, quiet your heart. Take a moment to breathe. Just like I have written about before, think about this breath as a silent call to God. Invite Him to spend this time with you.

I wonder if you will go back with me to that time. I wonder how it must have felt? All the planning and preparations are well underway for the celebration of the Passover. All around you, the hustle and bustle of getting ready for a celebration. In the middle of the room, a table awaits. Still, silent, sturdy. Imagine if that table could talk! All the things it will have seen. As we reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, it is hard to miss the poignancy of the table. Jesus, a carpenter by trade, using tables as a great ministry tool. Over the next few moments, reflect on these lessons from Jesus' table.

1. Remain Focused - At the Home of Martha and Mary - Luke 10:38-42

Have you ever hosted a meal or a party and been so busy getting ready, making sure that everything is 'just right' and you worry so much that you miss out on the celebration itself? In Luke 10, we see the story of Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was working hard to prepare a good meal for Jesus. Whilst Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to all He had to say. When Martha complained to her sister, Jesus rebuked her, telling her that Mary's choice to sit and listen to Him was better than the work she was doing. You see, it wasn't the work that was the problem, it was that she was so busy 'doing' that she would miss the purpose - spending time with Jesus.

Reflect today: Are you too busy to spend time with people?

2. Don't Judge What Can't Be Seen - Jesus Criticises the Religious Leaders - Luke 11:37-53

In Jesus’ time, the roads were dusty and travelling was guaranteed to be a dirty experience. When Jesus was invited to eat with a Pharisee, He was criticised for not washing. They judged Him because He didn’t perform their complex washing ritual. Jesus saw that the issue was not hygiene but the state of their heart, He used it as an opportunity to teach: “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy — full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside?” (Luke 11:39-40, NLT). The perception of holiness, of worthiness is sadly often tied to outward appearances. The heart of a godly or truth-seeking person isn’t subject to clothing, style or even personal care.

Reflect today: What do you need to cleanse in your life?

3. Consider Table Talk - Luke 14:1-24

Sunday Lunch at the Barker's is a time of great discussion and questions. In Luke 14, we see Jesus accepting a dinner invitation to the home of a Pharisee, he came prepared to speak on the tough topics of the day. Tough topics and touchy subjects still come up at the dinner table today. How do you deal with them? When Jesus had a point to make on a difficult subject, he didn’t go into a long, drawn-out monologue. He asked well-thought-out questions that engaged people and told interesting stories to make a complex subject understandable. His words were grounded in a solid understanding of the Word and a deep desire to bring people into right relationship with God.

Reflect today: What stories do you tell? Do your conversations encourage and inspire?

4. Put Others First - The Last Supper - Luke 22:14-38

Sometimes, we like to put ourselves at the centre of attention. When we are sat around the table, this is no different. In Luke 22, we see an account of Jesus’ last supper. He reveals to the disciples the truth for the future. It's not just creative license that has Jesus at the centre of this meal. Wherever He sat, Jesus was clearly the centre of this meal. Yet Jesus didn’t host this dinner for himself. He was thinking of his disciples, who had very little time left with him to understand the significance of what was about to happen.

His death and resurrection were going to change their lives and the world itself. He could have talked about his terrible suffering to come, but instead focused on what they would need to remember from that night.

Reflect today: Do you see meals as a way to support others' spiritual needs?

5. Dine with the enemy - The Last Supper - Matthew 26:20-21

Throughout Jesus' time on earth, He dined with many people who were deemed 'enemies' of society. Jesus saw beyond the stereotypes and worked to build new relationships across the vast divide found in society. His message simple - to Love. This is shown even more in The Last Supper where He dined with Judas, even though in a few short hours he would betray Jesus and hand Him over to the authorities. Jesus sets the gold-standard in how to live out a life of love.

Reflect today: Do you know any 'enemies' that need Jesus?

To the Table

On this Maundy Thursday, as many gather round a table, Jesus calls all to take a place at His table. To feast on all He is, to learn more about Him. To live a life of love through Him. He calls us all, no matter who we are, no matter where we are, no matter what we have done. Here at His table, all are welcome. The question He asks you today is - will you pull up a chair?

Hear the voice of love that's calling

There's a chair that waits for you

And a Friend who understands

Everything you're going through

But you keep standing at a distance

In the shadow of your shame

There's a light of hope that's shining

Won't you come and take your place

Bring it all to the table

'To the Table' - Zach Williams

Dear Lord,

On this Maundy Thursday, I think upon the events of Holy week, I think about the Last Supper and conversations that must have gone on. I think about all the times that Jesus used a place of food and laughter to teach some of the greatest, most profound lessons. I can't help but be at awe at the greatness of your plan to redeem us all. Work through this Easter in a different way, bringing me to a new place through the way of the Cross.

Amen