Embracing Inclusivity: Love at Christ's Table
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to start by sharing that my wife, Christy, has tested positive for COVID-19. As a precaution, I am wearing a mask and maintaining distance from everyone. I have not been in contact with the communion elements, and Holly has kindly agreed to handle that part of the service.
Next week, we will have our "Blessing of the Backpacks" and a promotion service for our students. Today's special offering will go to the pastor's discretionary fund, which helps those in need. Our Wednesday night dinners and classes will resume on September 11th, and I will be teaching a class called "Revelation for Normal People." Lastly, Bishop Snazy's retirement party will be this Thursday at Northern Hills UMC.
As we continue our sermon series using art to explore faith, today we look at Cosimo Roselli's "Ultima Senna" (The Last Supper), painted between 1481-1482. This artwork is part of the Sistine Chapel and depicts the Last Supper with a unique twist. The apostles are dressed in contemporary Roman attire, and Judas is depicted with a black nimbus and a demon, signifying his betrayal.
The painting invites us to consider that all sinners, including Judas, are welcome at Christ's table. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus' love and grace extend to everyone, even those we might find difficult to accept. The new commandment Jesus gives us is to love one another as He has loved us. This love is the true mark of a Christian, not outward symbols like bumper stickers or jewelry.
In the United Methodist Church, we practice open table communion, meaning everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or life circumstances. This inclusivity reflects the radical grace of God. As we prepare for communion, I encourage you to think about someone you find difficult to love and include them in your prayers. This exercise helps us understand the depth of Jesus' commandment to love one another.
### Key Takeaways
1. Inclusivity at Christ's Table: The depiction of Judas at the Last Supper reminds us that Jesus' grace extends to everyone, even those we might find difficult to accept. This inclusivity challenges us to welcome all to the table, reflecting the boundless love of Christ. [38:14]
2. The New Commandment: Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is a radical call to action. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to act with grace and compassion towards everyone, including those who have wronged us. [41:44]
3. True Mark of a Christian: According to Jesus, the true mark of a Christian is not outward symbols but the way we love others. This love should be evident in our actions and interactions, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love. [41:44]
4. Open Table Communion: In the United Methodist Church, we practice open table communion, welcoming everyone regardless of their background or life circumstances. This practice embodies the radical grace of God and serves as a powerful witness to the inclusivity of Christ's love. [46:31]
5. Personal Reflection and Forgiveness: As we prepare for communion, we are encouraged to reflect on those we find difficult to love and include them in our prayers. This exercise helps us understand and live out the new commandment, fostering a deeper sense of community and grace. [48:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:43] - Announcements
[08:04] - Upcoming Classes and Events
[09:27] - Opening Prayer
[31:53] - Introduction to Cosimo Roselli's "Ultima Senna"
[33:25] - Details of the Painting
[34:59] - Symbolism in the Artwork
[36:38] - Judas' Depiction
[38:14] - Inclusivity at Christ's Table
[41:44] - The New Commandment
[44:20] - Examples of Jesus' Inclusive Love
[46:31] - Open Table Communion
[48:43] - Personal Reflection and Forgiveness
[50:40] - Invitation to Communion
[52:47] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:34-35 (NIV): "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
2. John 13:2-5 (NIV): "The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
3. John 13:26-27 (NIV): "Jesus answered, 'It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.' Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, 'What you are about to do, do quickly.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What unique elements did Cosimo Roselli include in his painting "Ultima Senna" to depict Judas' betrayal? [36:38]
2. How does the depiction of the apostles in contemporary Roman attire in Roselli's painting affect the viewer's understanding of the Last Supper? [34:59]
3. What does the black nimbus and the demon in Roselli's painting symbolize about Judas? [36:38]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the open table communion in the United Methodist Church? [46:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus included Judas in the Last Supper and even washed his feet, knowing he would betray Him? [38:14]
2. How does the new commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" challenge our traditional views of love and forgiveness? [41:44]
3. What does the practice of open table communion reveal about the nature of God's grace and inclusivity? [46:31]
4. How can the depiction of Judas in Roselli's painting help us understand the depth of Jesus' love and grace? [38:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you include them in your prayers this week, as suggested in the sermon? [48:43]
2. How can you demonstrate the new commandment to love one another in your daily interactions, especially with those who have wronged you? [41:44]
3. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded. How can you ensure that your actions and words make others feel included and welcomed, especially in your church community? [46:31]
4. The sermon mentioned that the true mark of a Christian is the way we love others, not outward symbols. What are some practical ways you can show Christ's love in your community this week? [41:44]
5. How does the concept of open table communion challenge your understanding of who is welcome in the church? How can you embody this inclusivity in your own life? [46:31]
6. During the next communion service, how can you prepare your heart to fully embrace the inclusivity and grace that the table represents? [48:43]
7. Identify a person or group of people that you have been taught to fear or dislike. How can you take steps to overcome these feelings and extend love and grace to them? [48:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Inclusivity at Christ's Table
The depiction of Judas at the Last Supper reminds us that Jesus' grace extends to everyone, even those we might find difficult to accept. This inclusivity challenges us to welcome all to the table, reflecting the boundless love of Christ. In Cosimo Roselli's "Ultima Senna," Judas is depicted with a black nimbus and a demon, signifying his betrayal. Despite this, he is still present at the table, illustrating that Jesus' love and grace are available to all, regardless of their actions or status.
This powerful message encourages us to look beyond our judgments and prejudices, embracing the radical inclusivity that Jesus demonstrated. In the United Methodist Church, this is reflected in the practice of open table communion, where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or life circumstances. As we prepare for communion, we are reminded to extend this same grace and love to others, even those we find difficult to accept. [38:14]
Romans 15:7 (ESV): "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to accept. How can you extend Christ's grace and love to them today?
Day 2: The New Commandment
Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is a radical call to action. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to act with grace and compassion towards everyone, including those who have wronged us. The new commandment challenges us to go beyond superficial acts of kindness and to embody a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
This commandment is the true mark of a Christian, distinguishing us not by outward symbols but by the way we love others. It calls us to reflect on our actions and interactions, ensuring that they are rooted in the transformative power of Christ's love. By living out this commandment, we become a testament to the radical and inclusive love of Jesus. [41:44]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Identify one person you have wronged or who has wronged you. How can you show them Christ's love through a specific act of grace or compassion today?
Day 3: True Mark of a Christian
According to Jesus, the true mark of a Christian is not outward symbols but the way we love others. This love should be evident in our actions and interactions, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love. It is easy to wear a cross or display a bumper sticker, but the real challenge lies in living out the love that Jesus exemplified.
This love is characterized by humility, patience, and forgiveness. It requires us to put others before ourselves and to seek reconciliation and peace. By embodying this love, we become living witnesses to the gospel, showing the world the true essence of Christianity. [41:44]
Colossians 3:14 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you demonstrate the true mark of a Christian through your actions and words today?
Day 4: Open Table Communion
In the United Methodist Church, we practice open table communion, welcoming everyone regardless of their background or life circumstances. This practice embodies the radical grace of God and serves as a powerful witness to the inclusivity of Christ's love. Open table communion is a reminder that Jesus' invitation is extended to all, without exception.
This practice challenges us to break down barriers and to welcome others with open hearts. It is a call to embrace the diversity of God's creation and to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person. By participating in open table communion, we affirm our commitment to living out the inclusive love of Jesus. [46:31]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think about someone who feels excluded or marginalized. How can you extend an invitation of inclusion and love to them today?
Day 5: Personal Reflection and Forgiveness
As we prepare for communion, we are encouraged to reflect on those we find difficult to love and include them in our prayers. This exercise helps us understand and live out the new commandment, fostering a deeper sense of community and grace. By praying for those we struggle to love, we open our hearts to the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
This practice not only benefits those we pray for but also brings healing and growth to our own spiritual lives. It allows us to let go of bitterness and resentment, making room for the love and grace of Jesus to flow through us. As we engage in this reflection, we draw closer to the heart of Christ and become more like Him in our love for others. [48:43]
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. Can you include them in your prayers today, asking God to help you extend His love and forgiveness to them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "See, when we come to the table, we meet Christ and we meet everybody that Christ has invited. And Christ isn't that picky. He wants every person created by God to come be part of this table. Even Judas, even Judas." [39:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It says people will know that you are a Christian by the way that you love. The way that you love is that you come to this table, you meet Christ alongside all those broken, all those who are lost, all of those who are lonely, all of those that society would push aside." [41:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The good news in that is that there's a place for you. And maybe the bad news is there's a place for every broken person, that exists in this world. I think that's the point our taking communion. It's us to join together with Christ and recognize all of those other people who are at this table with us." [46:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I love that we do this in the United Methodist Church. In the UMC, we come to this table where no baptism is required. You don't have to be baptized to come here. You don't have to be a member of the church to share at this table. You don't have to be perfect or have a worthy kind of life, have your life all put together with all of the problems solved. None of that's required." [43:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think by design that is there. And I think that is why he ends the, kind of the, the telling of this passage with the new commandment. I give you a new commandment that you love one another just as I have loved you. You should also love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." [40:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And John's, telling of the story here, he makes sure to say that Judas was included in the table. Not only in the, in the meal that was shared, but even in the washing of feet. John makes it very clear that even Judas had his feet washed by Jesus himself. Even Judas was there for Jesus to hand the unleavened bread to." [39:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I also like this telling of the evangelical law of Christ, as the inscription says, that it tells us how that, how to market in a modern world, how to market the church. Because it doesn't say, you know, everybody will know that you're a Christian because you have a bumper sticker. It doesn't say that everybody will know that you're a Christian because you wear the right kind of jewelry. It doesn't say that everyone will know that you're a Christian because you carry a Bible everywhere you go." [41:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I hope that you'll do this little exercise that I've given you in doing so. And I hope that you'll learn something about the evangelical law of Christ, the new commandment, that we are to love one another as Jesus loves us." [51:40] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I feel for those people who are excluded. At that church, I put on the marquee, open table communion. Whenever we would mention communion, it was... We always called it open table communion, so that everyone would know that they were welcome here. I wasn't trying to steal their members. I was trying to offer the grace to those people who were excluded from the table in their practice." [50:40] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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