Anchor Verses: Luke 22:14-20, Acts 2:42-47, Matthew 22:37-40

Focus: Jesus’ ministry was centered around the table—whether in communion with the Father, deep fellowship with the Few, gathering the Many, or serving the Kingdom. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace these tables in our own lives, creating spaces of connection, transformation, and mission.

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Introduction: The Tables

  • Have you ever noticed how many significant moments in life happen around a table? 
    • Family dinners, celebrations, tough conversations, life-changing experiences. 
    • The table is a place of connection, conversation, and transformation. 
    • In the same way, Jesus used the table to model His ministry—inviting us into deeper relationships with God, one another, and the world around us
  • The One—Date Night—Quiet time with the Lord
    • Jesus went off alone to pray
      • Luke 5:15-16
        • The demands of life pushed Jesus to prayer, not from it
  • The Few—Family Dinner—Small Groups
    • The disciples gathered together
      • Luke 22:13-16
      • Acts 2:46-47
  • The Many—Pot Luck—Church on Sunday
    • The sermon on the mount
      • Hebrews 10:24-25
  • The Kingdom—Community Kitchen—Outreach
    • Feeding the 5,000
    • We are called to serve out of our overflow
      • Acts 20:35
  • God has set a place for you at the table
    • There is a name placard and a reserved seat
    • If one chair is empty, something is missing—your presence, your gifts, your voice matter at the table.
      • Psalm 23:5
      • Luke 22:28-30

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Why We’re Made for the Table

  • Why it’s awkward to eat in front of people who aren’t eating
  • Breaking the Unspoken Social Contract
    • People often see meals as shared resources, not individual acts, like receiving a gift while others get nothing.
  • The Symbolism of Hospitality and Vulnerability
    • We avoid eating messy foods on a first date because eating in front of others makes us feel more observed and judged.
  • Lack of Mutual Engagement
    • It’s like sitting down for a deep conversation while others remain standing, signaling a difference in engagement and investment.

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Nicodemus

  • John 3:1-21
  • One must be born again
    • Literal misunderstanding
      • Physical rebirth
    • Metaphorical misunderstanding
      • Spiritual rebirth
      • Nicodemus probably thought his Jewish heritage and adherence to the law ensured his place in heaven. 
        • Abraham stands at the gates of Gehenna. 
      • They missed it. Jesus makes reference to Ezekiel 36:25-27
        • Water to cleanse
        • New heart: hard → tender
        • New spirit: My (Jesus’) spirit to help you obey → conviction

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Who Are We At the Table?

  • The Lawyer – The Guest Who Comes to Dinner but Refuses to Eat
  • The Rich Young Ruler – The Guest Who Pushes Food Around the Plate
  • Nicodemus – The Guest Who Sits at the Table but Won’t Eat

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Final Thought: Are We Truly Eating at the Table?

  • Are we the Lawyer? Believing we’ve already earned our place and resisting change?
  • Are we the Rich Young Ruler? Wanting to follow Jesus but unwilling to give up control?
  • Are we Nicodemus? Asking questions but never fully surrendering?
  • Jesus invites us to the table—but we have to fully partake in what He offers.

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Application

  • The One
    • Set aside time to read and pray daily
    • Develop a rhythm of connecting with God one on one
  • The Few
    • Join a Small Group, invite someone over for dinner, or ask someone to lunch today
    • You will open an opportunity to create a connection with someone who can partner with you in encouragement, care, and correction
  • The Many
    • Invite someone to church
    • Church is the perfect place for new people to come together and hear about the gospel of Jesus—The table is always expanding; help someone pull up a chair
  • The Kingdom
    • How has your life been impacted at all of these other tables? Let that impact now help serve others.
  • Ask: Which table am I currently neglecting in my life? Am I refusing a seat at the table?.

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Sermon Questions

  1. Personal Devotion – The One at the Table:
    How intentional are you about setting aside quiet, one-on-one time with God?
    Reflect on Jesus’ practice of withdrawing to pray (Luke 5:15-16) and consider how regular, private time with the Lord refreshes your spirit and empowers you to engage more fully in every other area of life.
  2. Community Connection – The Few and the Many:
    In what ways are you nurturing authentic relationships within your church and community?
    Drawing from the early church’s example of gathering together (Acts 2:42-47) and Jesus’ invitation to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40), ask yourself whether you’re investing in meaningful small groups, family dinners, or creating spaces where others feel welcome to join in fellowship.
  3. Kingdom Service – Extending the Invitation:
    How is your life reflecting the call to serve others and invite them to the table?
    Reflect on Jesus’ acts of outreach (such as feeding the 5,000) and consider whether there are opportunities in your life—be it through a church event, a small group, or personal hospitality—where you can intentionally invite someone to experience the transformative fellowship of Christ.

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