serving at the table

Good morning friends,
At his last supper with the disciples Jesus gives them the symbols we remember at communion: his body broken for us and his blood poured out. Even at that late stage of his ministry his disciples don't get it. When he says that one of them will betray him, rather than examining themselves they look at others and deny the possibility. Then right away they start arguing about which of them is the greatest. It's almost comical: at that table, having just heard the Lord tell them again that he's about to be betrayed by one of them and killed, they would argue about something like that. It would be comical if the church had learned its lesson. Instead, the church is often consumed with bickering. As individual churches or as factions within denominations, as individual people within churches we often let our egos get in the way of ministry. Jesus stands in our midst to remind us that even as our Lord, he came to serve, even to die for us. How will you use your power and leadership today?

God bless,
Sam

Luke 22:14-27

14When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

21But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. 24A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.