Maundy Thursday. Invited to the King’s Table.

Read John 13:1-38

There’s something about having a meal with someone, especially people you like. It’s rich. Filled with goodwill, joy, laughter, reminiscing, and life.

Let’s pretend you were going to host a dinner, maybe a barbeque. Who would you invite? What would you make? Where would you anticipate (or hope) everyone would sit? What conversation do you think would happen around the table?

In our faith tradition, when we think about the King’s table at that Passover Meal, we think about the truths about our salvation symbolized with the meal, the footwashing, and the bread and the cup. These are rich, indeed, and our faith is strengthened as we reflect on these truths in our threefold communion service.

But we mustn’t forget the command Jesus gave at this meal. It’s the basis for the title given to Maundy Thursday. Maundy is a shortened version of the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.”  You may have brushed over it.  The command is in verse 34. Reread it.

Now, let me ask you. What kind of love does it take to invite your betrayer to your last meal?  And I’m not only talking about Judas. All of them, except maybe John.

But this wasn’t just any meal, was it? It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Passover. This one put Jesus’ love on full display. This was the one where Jesus illustrated His complete, sanctifying work to undeserving sinners.

It begs the question, doesn’t it? Who would you invite to your table to put on display the love of Jesus? Who should you invite? The rowdy neighbor who never returns your stuff? Yes. The neighbor who doesn’t take care of his yard and whose kids run wild? Yes. That person you don’t quite get along with? Yes. The coach who yelled at your kid or the teacher who humiliated your kid? Yes. The person who hurt you? Yes! The person who ignores you? Yes! The…? Yes! That…? Yes!

A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Your Turn

Start making your dinner list.  Write down who you should invite. Begin praying for them, right now. Look at your calendar. Pick out some dates… and then start inviting. And, yes, invite that person.

In the meantime, who’s on your list to invite to attend our Easter services, either online or in-person? Write ‘em down, now. Lift ‘em up (prayer), now. Extend the invitation, soon.

*If you like to download a hard copy of these devotionals click here to download.