Meeting with Jesus at the Table

When evening came, he arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one by one, “Surely not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread in the bowl with me. For the Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.” As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:17-26 CSB

“Do this in remembrance of me”

At the table we remember…

That food is not just about fuel but about communion

When the hour came, he reclined at the table, and the apostles with him. Then he said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” LUKE 22:14-15 CSB

That life comes through death

As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” MARK 14:22 CSB

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him! PSALM 34:8 CSB

That our unity is to be a gift to the world

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. MARK 14:23 CSB

How can we feast at the table of unity on Sunday and then live from a divided table during the week?

That our acceptance cannot be earned

While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” MARK 14:18 CSB

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Spend a few moments in silence, allowing your thoughts and feelings to become calm. Take a minute to create a list of all the ways God has blessed you, or been there for you, lately. If you happen to find yourself in a difficult season, press in and ask God to help you see previous moments in your life where his presence has been felt. Go over your list of memories, thanking him for these. As you practice this exercise of remembering, thank God for his continual love for you, and for Jesus’ sacrifice for you on the cross. Ask God to fill your heart with gratitude as you live in the reality of the cross, and its beautiful message that we are loved as we are, and don’t have to strive for, or earn anything. Ask him to help you remember these facts as you look ahead at your future, knowing that God is by your side, always.

Discussion Questions

LEADER’S NOTE: Take the first 5-10 minutes of group time to have everyone do the Personal Reflection Guide (linked on the sermon notes). You may want to set a timer, play some soft music, etc. Once you notice people finishing up, transition to group discussion time with a short prayer, then open by asking people to share what that experience was like, if they feel comfortable.

REAL WITH SELF: Read Romans 6:6 (NLT). What does the death and sacrifice of Jesus mean for you personally? How do you process God’s grace for you on the cross as you consider the sins that can often trip us up?

REAL WITH GOD: If real life comes through death, is there anything in your life that is dying at the moment (or something in your life that needs to die)? What might the “life” be that God has for you on the other side of this experience?

REAL WITH GOD: What does a practice of gratitude look like for you? As you practice gratitude, how does your outlook change? How could you be more intentional about focusing on God’s goodness?

REAL WITH OTHERS: Recall a time in your life when someone gave of themselves sacrificially to you. What did they do, and what was that experience like for you?

TAKE ACTION: Read John 13:35 (NLT). When have you seen Christian community act as a witness of the goodness of God? What steps can you take this week to increase unity among your friends, coworkers, or family?