Table Conversations

What is discussed around your table?

As you have lunch, dinner and maybe even breakfast what is the topic of conversation? Okay maybe not at your house at meal time but when sitting down for a cup of tea/coffee what happens?

In Jesus’ time meals were important social events.

We have lost some of this mentality in our modern world. In ancient world the meal time was not just about eating what was needed it was about engaging in conversations and learning from one another. It could also be the place of compassion and mercy.

How do we stop grace and compassion?

As I have reflected on our passage this morning I have been convicted of how I have blocked grace and compassion from entering my life.

Jesus the master of tension.

The more I read the Bible the more I realize how great Jesus was at creating tension, revealing tension, and resolving tension. Tension is needed in life. The example of a rubber band.

Tradition can get in the way of Christ.

I appreciate tradition, I really do. Sometimes, tradition becomes not just a way of doing something but the “only” way of doing things. It is the latter Jesus, Scripture condemn.

“Sameness” can get in the way of Christ.

By sameness I am picking up the idea found in verses 12-14 where hospitality is given to those who can reciprocate. We live in a transactional society were we must “pay or repay” for everything done.

We must guard against the “insiders” mentality.

Just because we know Jesus and have the “truth” in us we cannot think we have obtained anything.

Pride gets in the way.

Jesus has poignant and tough words for pride. When we think we “deserve” something we are on the path of pride. I know pride is an issue in my heart at times and when that happens I am closing the door on seeing Jesus.

Jesus invites us to His table.

At his table all are welcome, but only he is affirmed. At his table it doesn’t matter your “status” or lack thereof. All that matters is accepting his invitation.

Jesus shows us what God requires!

Our example is Jesus as we seek to live out God’s love for this world.