[Around the Table] Everyone Is InvitedSample
At The Table
What does it look like to be around the table, when you’re sitting at the table eye-to-eye with each other? Are we doing that well? We’re going to look at this from Jesus’ perspective. As we consider how we live life around the table, the first thing is this: Jesus’ number one mission was seeking and saving. God so loved the world that Jesus came to seek and save.
Jesus wants everyone at the table. Jesus frequently used the methodology of eating and drinking to spend time with all types of people; in houses, at dinner parties, weddings, and celebrations. He would invite Himself to your house. He literally walked people into the kingdom one meal at a time. Consider guys like Simon or Zacchaeus. In fact, religious people stood in judgement of Jesus for eating and drinking, and He had to defend Himself (Luke 7:33–44). Jesus spent a lot of time around a lot of tables with so many people because seeking and saving was His mission.
The table is where you have conversations; where you develop deep relationships. Jesus used the table to reach the lost, to arm and train, to listen, to call out the truth in people about who they were and to communicate His great love and who He created them to be.
You do the same thing. Think about all the amazing things that happen at the table, the centerpiece of the home, if you will. It might not sit dead center, but the table is a very important part of your home. Thanksgiving meals. How many can you remember? Or Christmas? I can go back years and years, and remember my dad and some of the things that he would say. Even the daily conversations matter. You may think they don’t, but they do. There is statistical evidence of what happens in a family unit when mom, dad, and children sit at a table and have a meal together. Even if it is only two days a week, it is so important. Are you spending time with those you love? Not just taking time, but making time for them?
Scripture
About this Plan
The goal of this plan and series is to encourage us to be in unity and community. The table is a symbol of the fellowship Jesus’ followers would have experienced as they shared and lived out the gospel. The early church gathered around the table. We too, are challenged to share the gospel and participate in life around the table.
More
We would like to thank John Sherrill, the senior pastor of Declaration Church in Spring, Texas, and El Centro Network for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.declaration.org/ and http://www.elcentronetwork.com