Invited to Intimate Fellowship: Come and Dine

 

Summary

In our study tonight, we explored the profound invitation of Jesus to "Come and Dine," as recorded in John 21:6-14. This invitation is not merely about physical nourishment but signifies a deeper spiritual communion with the risen Christ. Jesus' appearance to His disciples after His resurrection was a moment of reassurance, acceptance, and fellowship. It was a reminder of His unchanging nature and His continuous call to follow Him, just as He did before His crucifixion. This invitation to dine with Him is a symbol of His desire for intimate fellowship with us, a call to partake in His divine provision and strength.

We reflected on similar instances in the Old Testament, such as God's appearance to Abraham in Genesis 18 and the dining experience of Moses and the elders in Exodus 24. These events highlight the consistent nature of God’s desire to commune with His people. Jesus' invitation to His disciples was a continuation of this divine fellowship, offering them not just food but a renewed relationship and empowerment for the journey ahead.

The invitation to "Come and Dine" extends beyond the physical realm, pointing to the future promise of dining with Christ in His kingdom. It is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will enjoy with Him, as depicted in Revelation 19, where the marriage supper of the Lamb is described. This promise assures us of our place in His eternal kingdom, where we will experience the fullness of His joy and provision.

As we reflect on this invitation, we are reminded of the unchanging commands of Christ. His call to love Him above all, to follow Him faithfully, and to prioritize His kingdom remains the same. This consistency in His commands assures us of His steadfast love and faithfulness. As we respond to His call, we are invited to experience His care, provision, and the joy of His presence in our lives today and forever.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Fellowship: Jesus' invitation to "Come and Dine" is an invitation to divine fellowship, symbolizing acceptance and communion with Him. This fellowship is a source of strength and empowerment for our spiritual journey. [03:25]

2. Unchanging Commands: The commands of Christ remain consistent before and after His resurrection. His call to love Him above all and to follow Him faithfully is a testament to His unchanging nature and His desire for our wholehearted devotion. [17:53]

3. Provision and Care: Just as God provided for His people in the Old Testament, Jesus assures us of His provision and care under the new covenant. His care is greater and more profound, meeting all our needs and strengthening us for the journey ahead. [42:13]

4. Future Promise: The invitation to dine with Christ is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will enjoy in His kingdom. It assures us of our place in His eternal plan, where we will experience the fullness of His joy and provision. [56:51]

5. Spiritual Nourishment: Beyond physical sustenance, Jesus offers us spiritual nourishment, filling us with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This spiritual provision is essential for our growth and fulfillment in Him. [01:00:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:19] - Introduction to John 21
- [03:25] - Dining with the Risen Christ
- [10:11] - Old Testament Parallels
- [17:53] - The Unchanging Commands of Christ
- [24:42] - Love and Devotion
- [31:36] - Watchfulness and Readiness
- [33:56] - Consistency in Christ's Teachings
- [42:13] - Christ's Care and Provision
- [47:31] - Assurance of God's Provision
- [52:19] - Blessings of Fellowship
- [54:04] - Personalizing God's Promises
- [56:51] - The Call to Dine with Christ
- [01:00:18] - Spiritual Nourishment and Joy
- [01:07:26] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Come and Dine"

Bible Reading:
1. John 21:6-14
2. Genesis 18:1-8
3. Revelation 19:6-9

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 21:6-14, what specific actions did Jesus take to invite His disciples to "Come and Dine"? How did the disciples respond to this invitation? [01:19]

2. Reflecting on Genesis 18:1-8, how did Abraham recognize and respond to the presence of the Lord? What similarities can be drawn between this Old Testament event and Jesus' invitation in John 21? [03:25]

3. According to Revelation 19:6-9, what is the significance of the "marriage supper of the Lamb"? How does this future event relate to Jesus' invitation to His disciples? [10:11]

4. How does the sermon describe the consistency of Jesus' commands before and after His resurrection? What examples are given to illustrate this consistency? [17:53]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the invitation to "Come and Dine" reveal about Jesus' desire for fellowship with His disciples, both in the past and for believers today? [03:25]

2. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus providing food for His disciples in John 21? What does this act symbolize in terms of spiritual nourishment and empowerment? [42:13]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the invitation to dine with Christ is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship believers will experience in His kingdom? [56:51]

4. How does the sermon connect the Old Testament instances of dining with God to the New Testament invitation from Jesus? What does this continuity suggest about God's nature and His relationship with His people? [10:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the invitation to "Come and Dine" encourage you to seek renewed fellowship with Him? [03:25]

2. Jesus' commands remain consistent before and after His resurrection. How can you apply this understanding to your daily walk with Christ, especially in areas where you struggle with obedience? [17:53]

3. The sermon highlights Jesus' provision and care for His disciples. In what ways can you trust God to meet your needs, both physical and spiritual, in your current circumstances? [42:13]

4. Consider the future promise of dining with Christ in His kingdom. How does this assurance impact your perspective on life's challenges and your hope for the future? [56:51]

5. The sermon mentions the importance of spiritual nourishment. What specific practices can you incorporate into your life to ensure you are spiritually fed and growing in your relationship with Christ? [01:00:18]

6. How can you extend the invitation to "Come and Dine" to others in your community, inviting them to experience the fellowship and provision of Christ? [56:51]

7. Reflect on the consistency of Christ's commands. Identify one area in your life where you need to align more closely with His teachings. What steps can you take this week to make that change? [33:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Fellowship with Christ
The invitation to "Come and Dine" from Jesus is a profound call to enter into divine fellowship with Him. This invitation is not just about sharing a meal but signifies a deeper spiritual communion with the risen Christ. When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, it was a moment of reassurance and acceptance, reminding them of His unchanging nature and His continuous call to follow Him. This fellowship with Christ is a source of strength and empowerment for our spiritual journey, offering us His divine provision and strength. As we accept this invitation, we are invited to partake in His presence and experience the joy and peace that come from being in communion with Him. [03:25]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to experience deeper fellowship with Christ today?


Day 2: The Unchanging Commands of Christ
The commands of Christ remain consistent before and after His resurrection, reflecting His unchanging nature. His call to love Him above all and to follow Him faithfully is a testament to His desire for our wholehearted devotion. This consistency in His commands assures us of His steadfast love and faithfulness. As we respond to His call, we are invited to experience His care, provision, and the joy of His presence in our lives today and forever. The unchanging nature of His commands is a reminder that His love and expectations for us are constant, providing a stable foundation for our faith. [17:53]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your love and devotion to Christ in your daily interactions and decisions today?


Day 3: Christ's Provision and Care
Just as God provided for His people in the Old Testament, Jesus assures us of His provision and care under the new covenant. His care is greater and more profound, meeting all our needs and strengthening us for the journey ahead. This assurance of provision is not just about physical needs but also encompasses spiritual nourishment and empowerment. As we trust in His provision, we are reminded of His faithfulness and the depth of His love for us. This trust invites us to rely on Him fully, knowing that He will provide for us in every aspect of our lives. [42:13]

Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one specific need you have today that you can trust God to provide for, and how can you actively place this need in His hands?


Day 4: The Future Promise of Fellowship
The invitation to dine with Christ is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will enjoy in His kingdom. It assures us of our place in His eternal plan, where we will experience the fullness of His joy and provision. This future promise is a source of hope and encouragement, reminding us that our journey with Christ does not end in this life but continues into eternity. As we reflect on this promise, we are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing His kingdom and His purposes in our lives. [56:51]

Revelation 19:9 (ESV): "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal fellowship with Christ influence your priorities and decisions today?


Day 5: Spiritual Nourishment in Christ
Beyond physical sustenance, Jesus offers us spiritual nourishment, filling us with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This spiritual provision is essential for our growth and fulfillment in Him. As we partake in His spiritual nourishment, we are strengthened and equipped for the challenges of life, experiencing the fullness of His presence and the joy that comes from walking with Him. This nourishment is a reminder of His ongoing work in our lives, transforming us into His likeness and empowering us to live out His purposes. [01:00:18]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are receiving the spiritual nourishment you need from Christ?

Quotes



Dining with the Lord and dining with the Almighty God brings a blessing. As Jesus said unto His own disciples, come and dine. It was an open door, not just to eat but to have fellowship and not just to dine but to be blessed in a supernatural way. [00:06:48] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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