come to the table

In rereading again, Scot McKnight's book, The Jesus Creed, I'm reminded of how the table as in society, in Jesus is meant to bring in people, all sinners, to include all. Jesus invites all to come. This table is about fellowship and the fellowship at this table is centered in Jesus, though all enjoy and participate freely in it. We come just as we are, unlike the Pharisaical take on table fellowship, which was all about excluding any who did not keep/obey the Torah/Law of Moses, or Scriptures and their way of keeping it, and thus remaining pure.

Just showing up is important. We can't change ourselves, only God can. But our part is in making sure that we're present. If we sin we're sinners. So we always need a Savior. And we likewise see more change in us that needs to occur. This is the blessing of living among others; we then get to see our faults and more clearly and look for God's grace in Jesus among and with others. Jesus touches the unclean, making us who are unclean, clean.

And we need to keep the door open for everyone else to come. We not only must not give up on ourselves, because of God's good work in Jesus for us, but we must not give up on others. It's a table prepared for us not only in the presence of our enemies, but to bring reconciliation between us and our enemies, potentially, in Jesus. Jesus died for all, therefore all are welcome to come to the table.

This works out in terms of fellowship: having folks over to our homes, inviting them to our churches and to do other things that acquaintances and friends do. I'm not referring here to Communion or the Eucharist, though indeed any repentant sinner may share in that, as well.

In a sense we need to be at home with all people because of what Jesus has done. We're all in the same need, and we all need the same Savior- Jesus. God has made us for fellowship or communion with other people, and in Jesus this fellowship will in time take on a new, life-changing meaning.

What would you like to add here?