Reflecting on Luke 24:33-35“How Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.” (Luke 24:35)
These disciples finally recognize Jesus.
It was not His physical appearance or presence that helped them recognize Him.
Neither was it the way He explained the scriptures to them.
Their hearts were burning when He taught them, but this did not open their eyes.
It was when He broke the bread with them!
What is it about breaking bread with (eating together) that opens our eyes?
Sharing a meal together is more significant and spiritual than we realize.
A common table unites us as close intimates, as one family.
Slaves did not eat with their masters, nor did commoners eat with royalty.
There were clear distinctions about who was welcome to a table.
Jesus gathers AND welcomes misfits and outcasts to God’s table.
Nothing symbolizes the radical nature of grace like Jesus’s grace table.
As we sit and eat with Jesus and each other, we finally recognize WHO Jesus is.
Which is why I see closed communion and a guarded table contrary to the Gospel.
Jesus’s open table is how He opens our eyes to the wonder of God’s grace!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, it is not enough to say grace at the table. Open our eyes to recognize grace at the table, and to share this grace with others who need to experience it too!
Eating together, fellowshipping together at meal, that is celebrating life together in His presence. That is also a time we share His bounty.
1. Come to the table, all is prepared for you
Here all are welcome, all may be made new
Each tribe, tongue and nation, kneeling together as one
Come to the table, the table of God’s Son
2. Come eat His body, He gave it up for you
Dying upon a cross, that we may be made new
Come eat and be thankful, come find sweet relief for your soul
Come feast upon Him, come feast and be made whole
3. Come drink His blood, He poured it out for you
One drop is all it takes for you to be made new
Each stain, sin and blemish, all washed away in the tide
Come drink the blood of Jesus who died
4. Come meet the Saviour, come feel his arms around you
His gentle and loving touch, brings life and love anew
Come meet Him here and now, be held in His warm embrace
Come meet the Saviour, at His table of grace