Let's have dinner!

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Meleck H-olam. . .

"Blessed art Thou, O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who bringeth forth the fruits of the vine." This is one of the prayers recited at a Jewish dinner table, which I experienced at a Shabbat dinner in Jerusalem in February, 2018. So very interesting - the kosher house... the rules, the warmth, the prayers, the Law. Tradition. Frankly, we goyim could learn a lot from these meals, particularly the time given to prayers and blessings and being with one another.

We find that Jesus has accepted the invitation to a Shabbat dinner at the home of a "prominent" Pharisee in Luke chapter 14, where it seems he holds court teaching about kingdom living. Again, a man is there with a physical condition that causes him great pain; moved with compassion, Jesus heals him. Wait, on the Sabbath--didn't we just go through this with the Jewish leaders' anger about breaking this Law? Yup. But this time, they are speechless.

Then, while still at table, Jesus tells a parable about the importance of humility--specifically, not choosing the best seat at the table next to the host, but instead the more modest one--then the host might choose to move you to a better seat. "Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”1 Humility is highly esteemed by God.

Speaking of banquets, Luke captures this exchange: "Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!”

Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’”2

What are we to make of this? It sets me to wondering ...

First, I wonder if the Shabbat guests looked at one another and said, 'Oy, I would not make excuses! With such a grand invitation, I would certainly attend!' Yet nearly all of them did just that; they found reasons, they made excuses and in short order, they rejected this dinner guest, the Messiah, who sat at table with them, even seeking his death.

And isn't it a wonder that while they looked down their noses at the crippled and lame, (certain their sin had caused their plights!), it was these who the Master would choose to fill their very banquet seats. And once the feast has begun, well - the first invitees would be forever hungry. Wow.

Do you get it? We have been invited to the feast - the marriage supper of the Lamb,3 when we believers will be forever joined to Jesus. [in case you read right past it - forever - and forever is a really long time.] Forever blessings will be reserved for those who come to Christ.

So, this was some Shabbat dinner those folks attended that night - one they would never forget. Also one they would recall again and again. hmmmm...

Come to the table, Listen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXXxLwxfo0U

Christine

Luke, 46

1 - Luke 14.12-14

2 - Luke 14.15-24

3 - Revelation 19.6-9