April 13, 2006

A Place at the Table

And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this. A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. “You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. - Luke 22:14-30

As we look at the disciple’s confusion, we can at times see our story. Sometimes we, too, can be more concerned with our need for affirmation – especially during those times in our lives when we feel tired and spent – then we are called to be. Sometimes, we, too, can let our fears get the best of us

We do not need to be overcome by self-concern or thoughts on who is the “greatest.” Which of us is the greatest? Everyone is – especially if we measure greatness the way that Jesus does – by service and not by self-importance.

Each one of us plays an important role in the overall plan of God. Each one of us, regardless of our betrayals or short comings, is loved by God more than we will ever fully realize. In the midst of disciples who are concerned about their own human greatness – with betrayals, denials, and death just around the corner – it does not stop God’s salvation from being offered to the world.

One of the earliest charges leveled against Jesus was that he “welcomes sinners and eats with them.” He did the same at the Last Supper. He still does. Thank God, he still does.

Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright