Imagine for a moment Jesus preparing a table for his friends..

Jesus sets the table, he takes care in arranging the table cloth, the silverware, the candles and writes name tags for each person’s place. He prepares a meal, your favourite dish included, he takes his time and serves the food just as his friends arrive. 

Some sit at the table, enjoying the food, speaking with one another, Jesus Joins in and enjoys the company of his friends. 

Others stand behind the chairs, waiting to be asked to sit down. They are polite but not sure if they belong or are wearing the right clothes.

Others approach from a distance, not trying to make too much noise or draw attention to themselves. They are timid, taking small steps toward the table. Even though Jesus’s eyes aren’t on them, he knows exactly where they are and what’s going on inside. 

Others are at the doorway to the dining hall, peering in but distracted by what’s going on outside. They are torn. Do they stay outside in the familiar or take small steps toward the place prepared for them?

Others roam outside, given over to their distractions, oblivious of this dining hall and table. Jesus holds them in his heart as he laughs with his friends around the table.

How are you responding in this season? Jesus shares the invitation to sit with him. Know that he is inviting you today to sit at his table, you are welcomed, even if it feels like your enemies are surrounding you. Even if you are overwhelmed by fear or feel distant, he invites you. Some of us hear the invitation but aren’t confident we can fully respond, we approach timidly or stand behind our chair waiting for permission to sit down. Some of us have sat at this table before. We've been hurt or disappointed so we are waiting outside peering our head into the door, unsure and torn whether to approach.

Let us pray for those that are oblivious to this invitation, unaware of this feast, waiting for someone to invite them. 

This table is a picture of the place Jesus has prepared for you. This isn’t a neat and tidy place, it’s in the presence of your enemies. Your uncertainty, your fear, the loss, the decay, sin, broken relationships and anxiety. Jesus prepares a table in the middle of it all.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

For Jesus to anoint your head and fill up your cup, will you sit with him so he can serve you? If you’re far off from this feast or perhaps oblivious, considering sitting down with him. He’s prepared a place for you.