Lingering at the Table: Embracing Jesus' Invitation
Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to explore the profound significance of lingering, particularly in the context of our spiritual lives. In a world that often rushes us from one moment to the next, we are invited to pause and linger at the table with Jesus, just as He did with His disciples during the Last Supper. This act of lingering is not merely about taking our time; it is about allowing the deep truths of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to take root within us, transforming us from the inside out.
The story of the actor who suggested leaving the camera rolling a bit longer serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments occur when we allow ourselves to linger, to be present, and to embrace the fullness of what God offers us. Jesus, during His final hours, eagerly desired to share a meal with His disciples, to impart wisdom, comfort, and love. This desire extends to us today. Jesus longs to be with us, to share in our lives, and to invite us into a deeper relationship with Him.
As we partake in Communion, we are reminded that this table is a place of unity and equality. It is a table where all are welcome, regardless of our differences. The table is a great equalizer, reminding us that we are all equally loved by God and equally in need of His grace. We are called to break down the walls that divide us and to embrace the community that God has given us.
Moreover, we are challenged to consider who is missing from this table. Who in our lives needs to know that they have a place here? Our mission is to extend the invitation, to let others know that they are welcome, and to create spaces where they can experience the love and acceptance of Jesus.
Finally, as we linger at the table, we are reminded of the Spanish concept of "sobremesa," the time spent in conversation and connection after a meal. This is a time for stories, laughter, and the passing down of values. Today, let us embrace this practice, allowing the meaning of Communion to seep into our hearts and transform us.
Key Takeaways:
- Lingering with Jesus at the table is an invitation to let His truths take root in us, transforming our lives. This kind of remembering is not fleeting but deeply formative, shaping our identity and faith. [06:26]
- Jesus eagerly desires to be with us, just as He did with His disciples. His longing to share in our lives is a testament to His love and commitment to us. We are known, loved, and valued by Him. [11:53]
- The table of Jesus is a place of unity and equality, where all are welcome. Our differences do not separate us from the love of God or from one another. We are called to break down the walls that divide us. [15:25]
- We are challenged to consider who is missing from the table and to extend the invitation to them. Our mission is to let others know they are welcome and to create spaces of belonging and acceptance. [17:58]
- The act of lingering, as seen in the concept of "sobremesa," invites us to engage in meaningful connection and conversation. It is in these moments that we pass down values and deepen our relationships with God and one another. [23:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Lingering
- [04:30] - The Actor's Story
- [06:26] - Remembering with Jesus
- [08:45] - Jesus' Eager Desire
- [11:53] - Our Place at the Table
- [13:30] - Unity and Equality at the Table
- [15:25] - Breaking Down Dividing Walls
- [17:58] - Who is Missing at the Table?
- [20:00] - Extending the Invitation
- [23:26] - The Concept of Sobremesa
- [25:00] - Lingering in Communion
- [27:36] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 22:14-20
- John 1:14
- Ephesians 2:14-16
---
Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, what does the pastor suggest is the significance of "lingering" at the table with Jesus? [06:26]
2. How does the pastor describe Jesus' desire to be with His disciples during the Last Supper? What does this reveal about Jesus' character? [11:53]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the table play in terms of unity and equality among believers? [15:25]
4. What question does the pastor encourage us to ask about who is missing from the table, and why is this important? [17:58]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "lingering" at the table with Jesus challenge our modern, fast-paced lifestyle? What might be the spiritual benefits of this practice? [06:26]
2. The pastor mentions Jesus' "eager desire" to be with His disciples. How does this reflect God's ongoing desire for relationship with humanity? [11:53]
3. In what ways does the table of Jesus serve as a "great equalizer" among believers, according to the sermon? How does this align with the teachings in Ephesians 2:14-16? [15:25]
4. The sermon challenges us to consider who is missing from the table. How does this question relate to the mission of the church and the call to extend Jesus' invitation to others? [17:58]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel rushed and unable to "linger" with Jesus? What practical steps can you take to create more space for this in your daily routine? [06:26]
2. Jesus eagerly desires to be with us. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in your everyday life? What practices might help you recognize His desire to be with you? [11:53]
3. Consider the diversity within your own community or church. How can you actively contribute to breaking down dividing walls and fostering unity and equality at the table of Jesus? [15:25]
4. Who in your life might be "missing from the table"? How can you extend an invitation to them, both to your personal table and to the table of Jesus? What specific actions can you take this week to reach out to them? [17:58]
5. The concept of "sobremesa" involves meaningful conversation and connection after a meal. How can you incorporate this practice into your family or community gatherings to deepen relationships and pass down values? [23:26]
6. Reflect on the idea that everyone has a place at Jesus' table. How does this truth impact the way you view yourself and others? How can you live out this truth in your interactions with those around you? [15:25]
7. The pastor mentioned that sometimes people need to feel welcome at our personal tables before they can feel welcome at the Lord's table. How can you create a welcoming environment in your home or community for those who may feel excluded? [17:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Lingering with Jesus Transforms Us
Lingering with Jesus at the table is an invitation to let His truths take root in us, transforming our lives. In a world that often rushes us from one moment to the next, the act of lingering allows the deep truths of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to take root within us, transforming us from the inside out. This kind of remembering is not fleeting but deeply formative, shaping our identity and faith. By taking the time to pause and be present with Jesus, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love and grace. [06:26]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to slow down and allow Jesus' truths to transform you? How can you create space for this today?
Day 2: Jesus' Eager Desire to Be with Us
Jesus eagerly desires to be with us, just as He did with His disciples. His longing to share in our lives is a testament to His love and commitment to us. We are known, loved, and valued by Him. This desire extends to us today, as Jesus longs to be with us, to share in our lives, and to invite us into a deeper relationship with Him. By recognizing His eagerness, we can respond with openness and gratitude, knowing that we are cherished by our Savior. [11:53]
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20 ESV)
Reflection: How can you open the door of your heart to Jesus today, acknowledging His eager desire to be with you?
Day 3: Unity and Equality at the Table
The table of Jesus is a place of unity and equality, where all are welcome. Our differences do not separate us from the love of God or from one another. We are called to break down the walls that divide us and to embrace the community that God has given us. At this table, we are reminded that we are all equally loved by God and equally in need of His grace. By embracing this truth, we can foster a spirit of unity and acceptance within our communities. [15:25]
"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13 ESV)
Reflection: What barriers exist in your life that prevent unity and equality? How can you actively work to break them down today?
Day 4: Extending the Invitation to the Missing
We are challenged to consider who is missing from the table and to extend the invitation to them. Our mission is to let others know they are welcome and to create spaces of belonging and acceptance. By identifying those who may feel excluded or overlooked, we can reach out with love and compassion, inviting them to experience the love and acceptance of Jesus. This act of inclusion reflects the heart of God and His desire for all to be part of His family. [17:58]
"Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find." (Matthew 22:9 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to know they have a place at Jesus' table? How can you extend an invitation to them today?
Day 5: The Concept of Sobremesa
The act of lingering, as seen in the concept of "sobremesa," invites us to engage in meaningful connection and conversation. It is in these moments that we pass down values and deepen our relationships with God and one another. By embracing this practice, we allow the meaning of Communion to seep into our hearts and transform us. This time spent in conversation and connection after a meal is an opportunity to share stories, laughter, and the passing down of values, enriching our spiritual journey. [23:26]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42 ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of "sobremesa" into your life this week, fostering deeper connections with God and others?
Quotes
"Because there are times when if we linger, something special can happen. The passage that Elizabeth read for us from the Gospel of Luke, Luke's account of Jesus' life, is of a meal that Jesus shares with his disciples. It's where he models and institutes what is known in some circles as the Lord's Supper, some as the Lord's Table, some as Communion." [00:03:28] (21 seconds)
"And it happens during a meal where they're celebrating the Passover. And that is a meal that already takes some significant amount of time to partake in. Jesus and his disciples are already lingering on the meal itself when they take some time to linger on these special elements, this particular aspect, this different way that the meal is going to go that night." [00:03:48] (25 seconds)
"They end up lingering on this meal, which will end up being their last together before Jesus is arrested and crucified. And it is in that lingering that this rich and meaning moment occurs. We're going to take Communion today after the sermon. But between now and then, I want to invite us to linger at the table with Jesus." [00:04:14] (24 seconds)
"God takes on flesh to be with humanity. So doesn't it make sense that at moments like these, the desire to be with humanity, to be with us, would be expressed? Yes, Jesus eagerly desires to be at the table with them in these final hours. But Jesus also desires, eagerly desires, desiringly desires, with intensity, desires to be at the table with you." [00:10:07] (32 seconds)
"You have a place at this table. All of us do. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, a place has been made for each of us and all of us at the table. And just like in that first century where the cast of characters around the tables is a diverse cast of characters. The table that Jesus invites us to, the table that has a place for us, is a communal table." [00:12:01] (26 seconds)
"It is a great equalizer because we are all equally loved by God. We are all equally made in God's image. We are all equally in need of the forgiveness and redemption that is found in Jesus' death and resurrection. And we are all equally welcome at the table. We all have an equal place at this table, at its best." [00:14:28] (25 seconds)
"Maybe what come to mind are groups, types of people or types of community that aren't here today and that you wonder whether they might be welcome if they dare to come. Would they be welcome at the table? Hear me. They all have a place at the table. There is a place for all of them at Jesus' table. He has such good. He has such healing. He has such blessing." [00:18:21] (26 seconds)
"Today, the invitation has been to linger. And as we get ready to gather the elements and take part in the Lord's Supper together, let us continue to linger. Let's linger at the table and in the meaning of what we celebrate in communion. In a moment, there's going to be some music playing and you will be released to the tables to gather the gluten-free bread and the cup." [00:26:05] (21 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?