Bursting the Christian bubble (synchroblog)
(This post is part of a synchroblog called “What Would Jesus Do… With the Church”. See this post or this post for details.)
Over the last few years, God has shown my family that we have been living in a Christian bubble. This is easy to do in seminary. In fact, until a year ago I worked at the seminary, went to school at the seminary, and lived in seminary housing. As we realized that we had very little interaction with those outside the church, we decided to make some changes.
Now, don’t misunderstand me, it is important for followers of Jesus Christ to get together in order to encourage one another toward maturity in Christ. These times are very special to my family, and we never want to stop these times of fellowship and teaching and community.
However, I do not think it is good for followers of Jesus to spend all of their time with other followers of Jesus. We are here to take part in God’s mission of reconciling the world to himself. We are God’s ambassadors. And, ambassadors are to go outside of their own country as a representative in a foreign land. We had been ambassadors that spent most of their time staying in their own country… and something had to change.
The first change – a major one – happened just over a year ago. We moved out of seminary housing and into a “real” house about six miles from the seminary. Because of this move, we started finding ourselves reaching outside of the Christian bubble. Since our neighborhood (like many neighborhoods) is a bedroom community, we rarely see our neighbors, which means that much of our time is still being spent with followers of Jesus Christ.
We started asking God how we could spend more time with people who were not part of his family. The first thing he taught us was to not be artificial. It would not help if we started spending time with people with whom we shared nothing in common. Therefore, we wanted to spend time with people with whom we shared the same interests.
The first opportunity presented itself when our son decided he wanted to play football. We registered him for a local team and decided to my wife and I would spend as much time as possible at football practices and games. Because of this, most of the boys on the team know us. The coaches know us. We have met many of the parents. We even had dinner after an away game with some of the boys and their parents. We also started taking one of the boys home after practice.
But, Jesus is directing us to continue moving in this direction. We see Jesus eating in the homes of people like Zacchaeus, the friends of Matthew, and even a Pharisee. In fact, Jesus hung out with those who were outside of the family of God so much that the religious people called him a drunk and a glutton. It is time for us to take the next step and invite some neighbors and acquaintances to our home to continue building relationships with them.
For too long, my family has learned how to build relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ. We are now being called to build relationships with those who are not in the family of God. This has been a long process, and I do not believe we will completely learn this within the next month. However, I do believe that God will give us opportunities in the next month, because He has given us opportunities in the past.
I don’t know if this actually falls within the bounds of this synchroblog. This is not something new for myself or for my family. This is an area where God has been changing us for the past year or more. However, over the last couple of weeks, we have talked about how we need to move beyond where we are. We have been praying and continue to pray that God would provide more interaction with people outside of his family. We want to be his ambassadors, so we actually want to be among unbelievers. We want God to plead through us, as Paul said he would. We want Jesus to continue to burst our Christian bubble.
Over the next month, I will write about the opportunities that God gives us to build relationships with those who are not following the way of Christ – about the opportunities that God gives us to continue reaching and relating outside the Christian bubble.
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Other contributors to the WWJDWTC Synchroblog:
Glenn Hager
Erin
Gary Means
Alan Knox
The Refuge
Nate Peres
Sally Coleman
Barb
Rick Stillwell
Jeff Greathouse
Dan Allen
Barbara Legere
Jonathan Brink
Jason Ellis
Rainer
Cynthia
Surprises at the Lake
On Sundays, we rent a reception hall in downtown Wake Forest. Today, the reception hall was rented to someone else. So, we had to find another venue. We went through several options, and decided to rent a pavilion at Falls Lake.
The weather was perfect! And, although many of the people we usually meet with were out of town, several people met with us under the pavilion. It was very casual and very cozy. I enjoyed being in a different location. It is so easy to get comfortable doing to the same thing at the same place that we can forget why we gather together in the first place.
The meeting portion went as usual: we read alot of Scripture, sang some songs, had a teaching from Scripture, then allowed anyone who wanted to share a teaching or something that God was doing in their lives. Afterwards, we shard the Lord’s Supper as part of a meal which included grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.
The surprises came as we were eating. We noticed several cars driving by, and soon the surrounding parking lots were filled. A few of us walked over to see what was going on, and a Korean church from Raleigh was having a picnic. We had a great conversation with their pastor and were encouraged by the community that witnessed among those who gathered together.
There was another surprise as well. One sister had shared that her father was coming to the lake to baptize someone. After their church met and ate (they eat together every Sunday morning), several of them came to the pavilion where we were meeting. We walked down to the lake with them, and witnessed the baptism. It was awesome to hear how God had worked in the life of this new follower, and to be able to sing and pray together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. We usually baptize at this lake as well, but there was no one to baptize this time. It was a great surprise to be able to witness this baptism and take part in this brother’s new walk with Christ.
All in all, we had about 5 hours of fellowship, singing, Scripture, teaching, eating, community, and baptism – another great day.
To be or not to be… community
Bill at “Provocative Church” gives us a sarcastic list of “10 ways to avoid building community…“:
1. Keep conversations short.
2. Always sit in your “assigned” seat.
3. Avoid new people.
4. Come late to church.
5. Leave immediately after the service (or early).
6. Be physically present but mentally absent.
7. Don’t share a meal.
8. Stay very, very busy.
9. Make your default response “everything is great†or “fine”.
10. Don’t show up.
So, how are you doing at avoiding community?
Dropping the "H" Bomb
I recently read a story about one follower of Christ calling another follower of Christ a heretic because they disagreed over certain aspects of teaching. I’m sure that many of us have heard similar stories, and perhaps some of us have even been called “heretics”.
The “H” bomb is dropped to separate the speaker from the “heretic” or “heresy”. It is used as stronger language than “disagree” or “different”. It is used to question the person’s devotion to and possibly position with God. To the person dropping the “H” bomb, the “heretic” may be sincere, but certainly sincerely wrong when compared with the bombardier.
Looking through various definitions of the word “heretic”, you’ll find that a “heretic” (in English) is a person who holds a position that is different from standard or accepted church beliefs. Thus, in English, “heresy” can only be defined from the perspective of a certain set of beliefs. So, someone can be a “heretic” from the point of view of the Roman Catholic Church, but that same person may not be a “heretic” from the point of view of the Anglican Church.
Similarly, looking through various definitions of the word “heresy”, you’ll find that a “heresy” (again, in English) is any teaching, belief, or opinion that is different from standard or accepted church beliefs. Once again, “heresy” is a valid term on from the perspective of a certain set of beliefs.
From these modern definitions, every Baptist is a heretic to every Presbyterian. Every Anglican teaches heresy from the perspective of every Charismatic. From the point of view of Methodists, everyone in the Vineyard church is a heretic. These terms have lost any meaning, but they continue to be used with force and vehemence.
Perhaps, instead of looking at the modern definitions of “heresy” and “heretic” it would be helpful to consider the source of these words, and to consider how Scripture uses these words. Also, instead of comparing someone’s opinions and beliefs to the standard beliefs of a given church, perhaps it would be better to compare that person’s opinions and beliefs to Scripture.
Of course, even before we think about the source of the words “heresy” and “heretic”, we are immediately faced with the reality that different people interpret Scripture in different ways. Does this mean that our terms “heretic” and “heresy” are completely useless? No. It means that we must humbly admit that brothers and sisters in Christ disagree concerning the meaning of Scripture. We must also humbly admit that disagreement, in and of itself, does not constitute heresy. I may disagree with someone, and neither one of us may be heretics. However, according to the modern definitions of the words “heresy” and “heretic”, if two people disagree, one of them must be a heretic.
The terms “heresy” and “heretic” are scriptural words. The noun form αἵρεσις (hairesis) is used five times in the New Testament, and is usually translated “sect”, “division”, “opinion”, or “schism”. The Pharisees and Sadducees are called “sects” (“heresies”) of Judaism (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 26:5). Christians are called a “sect” (“heresy”) of Judaism (Acts 24:5; 24:14; 28:22). Finally, there are said to be “divisions” or “dissensions” (“heresies”) among groups of Christians (1 Cor 11:19; Gal 5:20; 2 Pet 2:1). It is this last category that should interest us.
Scripture warns us about “heresies” among believers. But, in context, what are these passages telling us? In 1 Corinthians 11:19, Paul mentions “factions”. These are probably similar to the divisions mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1-4. The danger is not found in disagreements between believers, but in separation. The groups were separating from one another and treating one another differently based on their affiliations.
In Galatians 5:20, “heresies” or “divisions” or “factions” are mentioned again along with “disputes”, “dissensions”, and “envy”. All of these are listed as “works of the flesh” (Gal 5:19-21), practiced by those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God”. This is contrasted against the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23) which will be evident in the lives of God’s children. Since the fruit of the Spirit includes characteristics such as patience, gentleness, and self-control, we can assume that these are demonstrated in the context of disagreements, not in the absence of them. Again, this says nothing about disagreement being “heresy”.
In 2 Peter 2:1, Peter warns that false prophets and false teachers will bring “destructive heresies” with them. These false prophets and false teachers will not be known for disagreeing with other believers, but instead they will be known for “denying the Lord” (2 Pet 2:1), “sensuality” (2 Pet 2:2), “covetousness” (2 Pet 2:3). Thus, these false prophets and false teachers are not ones who simply disagree with other Christians, but those who deny that Christ is Lord, and live a life that demonstrates that they are not children of God.
Perhaps, from this connection of “heresy” with false prophets and false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1, we should also recognize why these people are called “false prophets” and “false teachers”. Perhaps one of the most important passages to help us understand what it means to be a “false teacher” is 1 Timothy 1:3-11. Here, those who teach “other doctrines” are those who teach contrary to the gospel (1 Tim 1:11). In many other passages, the authors of Scripture encourage their readers to teach and live in accordance to the gospel of Jesus Christ – that is, the good news that God has provided a way for all people to accepted as his children.
So, according to Scripture, who are the true “heretics”? Heretics are those who deny the gospel of Jesus Christ. Heretics are also those who live in a manner contrary to the gospel – that is, according to the flesh, not according to the Spirit. Similarly, heretics are those who cause and encourage divisions and dissensions among the followers of Jesus Christ.
When Person A calls Person B a “heretic” for a teaching that Person A disagrees with, but which is not contrary to the gospel, and when Person A refuses to fellowship with Person B because of that teaching, then, according to Scripture, Person A is actually the “heretic”. Person A is the one causing division among the followers of Christ and is thus promoting true heresy.
So, let’s be careful, thoughtful, and prayerful before we drop the “H” Bomb. It could be that we are the true “heretics”, not necessarily because our opinion is “wrong”, but because our words and actions are divisive – and this is the type of heresy that Scripture warns us about.
Meeting and Eating
I love to share a meal with brothers and sisters in Christ whenever possible. Just a few days ago, I was talking with a friend about our families getting together for dinner. There is something special about sharing a meal. Acts 20:7 says:
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7 ESV)
This passage is often used to promote “Sunday worship” or even preaching, but according to this passage, the believers in Troas had gathered together for the purpose of “breaking bread”. This phrase “breaking bread” usually indicates the start of a meal (see “The Lord’s Supper as a Meal?“). Perhaps, this indicates that the believers in Troas were partaking of the elements of the Lord’s Supper, but if they were, it seems that it was part of a larger meal.
There is something special about meals. Meals can be used to separate people by having rigid protocols and seating and speaking assignments based on position or rank. This kind of meal – the kind that separates people – is not the kind that I’m talking about here. Fortunately, meals can also be used to bring people together, sharing in common what God has provided, speaking and listening as each one expresses their struggles, their hopes, and what God is doing in their lives.
Sharing a meal can be like sharing a part of yourself. For this reason – and many others – I enjoy sharing a meal with people. Our church shares a meal together about once a month. During these times I’m able to take time to talk with people that I don’t normally see throughout the week. I’m able to get to know people that I don’t know very well. I have a chance to interact with more people on a more personal level.
But, that’s not often enough for me. We try to share meals with friends more often than this. Sometimes, we’ll go to a restaurant with friends even when we shouldn’t financially (yes, we’re working on self-control in this area). We’ve learned to open up our home more often and provide meals for people more often. Sometimes, when we take meals to people who are in need, we ask if we can stay and share the meal with them. Why? Because the food is not the most important part of sharing a meal. Instead, the most important part is sharing of yourselves – the fellowship.
In fact, we’ve found that the food has very little to do with a successful “meal”. We have shared steaks with people, and we have shared sandwiches with people. We have eaten soup with friends, and we have eaten ribs with friends. The content of the meal is not as important as the fellowship involved – the words, the concern, the encouragement, the admonishment, the joy, the sorrow, the pain, the hope. The meal is simply the context for the fellowship that the Spirit is producing.
I have also found that sharing a meal is great therapy for self-centeredness, selfishness, and even discouragement. Of course, during times of self-centeredness, selfishness, and discouragement, preparing a meal and inviting someone to your house may be the last thing on your mind – which is exactly why you should do it.
I’m looking forward to getting together with my friends soon. I’m sure that the food will be very good. However, I know that the fellowship that God provides will be even more nourishing and satisfying. Have you shared a meal lately?
A Good Day…
Today has been a really good day so far.
This morning, I was able to help a friend of a friend move into an apartment. I had never met this man before, but he is going through a divorce. Coincidentally (providentially), his new apartment is located across a parking lot – that is, only about 100 feet – from the apartment of a good friend of mine. I hope to be able to drop in on this new acquaintance sometime. Divorce is difficult. I could tell that he was struggling through this, and I’m hoping that God will choose to use me to show his love to this man and his family.
This afternoon, my son played football again. Even though his team lost, he played very well, and he continues to enjoy playing. Also, since we have been hanging around practice and I have been volunteer to help on the sideline, I’ve been able to get to know several of the players. We now have the opportunity to take one boy home after every practice. Again, I hope God will choose to use us to impact the lives of some of these boys and their families.
This evening, we had dinner with some friends who came to watch my son’s football game. We had a great time sharing a meal and the fellowship associated with that (I will publish a blog post in the next couple of days about sharing meals and fellowship). The husband has spent a lot of time with our son, especially helping and encouraging him with football. The wife has spent a lot of time with our daughter, especially helping her learn sign language. We appreciate how God has used them to impact our family, and we hope that God will choose to continue to use us to impact their lives.
All in all, it has been a good day.
To Know and Love God
In our Theological Foundations seminar, we have been reading To Know and Love God by David K. Clark. While I found the content interesting and balanced, I was most impressed by Clark’s conclusion.
Clark asks these questions in his conclusion:
…[W]hat are the implications of evangelical theology done well? What difference will following good method and arriving at profound Christian thinking make? And where should we focus our energies in the future?
He then gives twelve answers to these questions. I thought I would share a few here that are relevant to our discussions concerning the church.
Third, we must not turn away from culture… As flawed as our culture is, a reactionary turn inward will not lead us forward. The early church lived in a culture as full of spiritual counterfeits, sexual enticements, and materialistic allurements as our own. Those Christians learned to live in that world. Although they lived in community with each other, they did not isolate themselves from the broader society. They lived out the light of Christ at all strata of society.
I don’t have anything to add to this statement. This is an area of life where God has been challenging and changing me in the last couple of years.
Fourth, we ought to engage against evangelical polemics… [W]e must guard against focusing too much of the force of our work against our evangelical brothers. The tendency to pursue finer and finer points of theoretical clarification may be acceptable as long as such work is reintegrated into the broader concerns of God’s Kingdom. But if we use the finer and finer points of theology to debate among ourselves, we run the risk of increasingly ingrown discourse.
This is an important statement. Sometimes, as I read certain authors, I get the idea that they believe God’s word originated with them, or that God’s word came only to them (paraphrasing 1 Corinthians 14:36). Humility and graciousness should rule the day when it comes to brothers and sisters discussing God’s Word. Other brothers and sisters are not the enemy.
Sixth, we need more focus on spiritual formation – on gaining sapientia. I do not mean just an intellectual understanding of wisdom, but a spiritual character that is actually shaped by wisdom. Living well in our culture, to say nothing of affecting our culture, requires genuine, internal, spiritual strength.
Yes! Maturity is not measured by the amount of biblical facts that a person knows. Our goal must not be increased scholarship, but increased maturity in Christ – more Christ-likeness displayed in our lives. This maturity does not come through books and papers, but through humble submission to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Seventh, we ought to promote authenticity in relationships. The experience of community is the human context that cultivates sapientia. Thinking biblical thoughts and obeying biblical rules does not necessarily bring inward spiritual change. The “think and obey” approach to spiritual formation can too easily lead to outward forms of conforming religiosity that leave the human heart in a state of decay. The trusted and intimate relationships of true community bring spiritual transformation because growing in Christ is primarily about trusting God, learning honesty, cultivating virtues, and evoking noble feelings.
It takes humility and trust to live in this kind of community. We must be willing to talk about our weaknesses and struggles. We must also be willing to listen to and speak with brothers and sisters concerning their weaknesses and struggles. Love must surround everything that we do and say.
Ninth, this means that we should seek a deeper solidarity with the world church. The church around the world needs the Western church… But equally, the Western church needs the global church.
Perhaps a good place to begin would be with the Christian next door to your home, or in the next office at work, or in the next seat at school. We certainly needs to seek a deeper solidarity with the world church, but I’m not sure we can seek a deeper solidarity with the world church as long as we maintain schisms in the church near us.
Eleventh, we must reestablish balance by working for social peace and justice by eliminating the racism and injustice that are rooted in ethnic identity. I do not subscribe to secular ways of framing the questions of ethnic relationships. But those of us who are North American evangelicals have not really stepped up to be counted on the questions of opportunities for the poor, equality for non-white groups, and “liberty and justice all.” Much research shows that in our evangelical focus on the inner life of faith and in our emphasis on seeing God transform human hearts through conversion, we have lost focus on some of the greatest social issues of our day.
Again, I have very little to add. This is another area where God is challenging and stretching me. We cannot love God without demonstrating that love for others – primarily towards those who are not like us, who are “down and out”, who are in need of love.
While I appreciated much of the theological and philosophical content of this book, the conclusion helped me the most. Are any of Clark’s answers beneficial for you as well?
The Testimony of Truth in Action
This week, in our Linguistics seminar, we were given the assignment of outlining 3 John and determining the theme or peak of the letter. In other words, what was John attempting to communicate to Gaius.
Several months ago, I talked about this short letter in my posts called “Sending with hospitality“, “We will talk face to face“, and “Imitate Good“.
This is how I outlined the letter in this week’s seminar (this is not my translation):
Salutation (vs. 1)
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.Opening Testimony of Truth in Action (vs. 2-4)
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.Gaius’ Testimony of Truth in Action (vs. 5-8)
Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.Diotrephes’ Lack of Testimony of Truth in Action (vs. 9-10)
I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.Having a Testimony of Truth in Action (vs. 11)
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.Demetrius’ Testimony of Truth in Action (vs. 12)
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.Travel Plans (vs. 13-14)
I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.Final Greetings (vs. 15)
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, every one of them. (3 John ESV)
Notice the repetition of the words for testify, truth, and action words (walk, practice, imitate, efforts, fellow workers). In fact, in the body of this letter (vs. 2-12), we find the ideas of testifying to the truth through our actions in every paragraph except one: the paragraph about Diotrephes. While Gaius and Demetrius have a testimony, Diotrephes is not said to have one. While Gaius are walking in the truth, this is not said of Diotrephes.
Furthermore, it is interesting that Diotrephes is known for his words (speaking wicked nonsense) and his desire to control things (puts himself first), and his lack of concern for others (refuses… stops… and puts them out).
It seems that this short letter was written to encourage Gaius (and any others who read it) to bear witness to the truth of their faith by the way they live their lives, especially in the way that they deal with and relate to other people. The specific “good” action mentioned in this letter is supporting brothers and sisters in Christ as they travel through the local area. The corresponding “bad” action is refusing to help those same brothers and sisters in Christ (see “Sending with hospitality“).
I have been encouraged and challenged by the way many of my brothers and sisters have opened their homes to others who are travelling through or visiting this area. Our family is learning and maturing in this area. We are learning what it means to “send with hospitality”.
But, what about other areas of our lives. Are we living a testimony by demonstrating truth in action? Or, do our words and our actions contradict the love that we are supposed to show to our brothers and sisters? Do we ridicule people for showing mercy and justice to others? Do we rebuke brothers and sisters for their kindness? Do we talk about love, but never have time to show it?
Do we find ourselves resembling Diotrephes? Or are we growing in grace and finding that we resemble Gaius and Demetrius more and more by living a testimony of truth in action?
Two Posts: Lord’s Supper & Difficulties
I’ve published two blogs posts that may interest my readers:
First, at our family blog “The Knox Clan“, I’ve posted some pictures from our latest Lord’s Supper. I described generally what happens during our Lord’s Supper in a post called “The Lord’s Supper (one example)“.
Second, over at “Life in the Journey“, I’ve published a post called “Walking through difficulty… together“. In this post, I recognize how God has recently used several people in my life to help me through difficult situations.
I hope you enjoy these two blog posts.
A Common Table
When Jesus invites us to dine with him, he invites us to a common table – that is, there is no hierarchy among those who dine at the Lord’s table. This was a difficult lesson for Jesus’ earliest followers, and I think it is a difficult lesson for us as well.
Most of us are familiar with the passages in the Gospels that deal with leadership and servanthood among followers of Christ, but as we begin this discussion, it would be good to remember Jesus’ words:
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV; see also Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:24-26)
Similarly, in other conversations with his followers, Jesus told them not to seek or accept places of honor. For example, he warned them against seeking places of honor in the manner of Jewish teachers:
And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-40 ESV; see also Matthew 23:2-7; Luke 20:46-47)
This idea of seeking the places of honor at feasts leads us into another area of warning and instruction from Jesus. This instruction deals specifically with sharing meals:
Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ 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.” He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:7-14 ESV)
Jesus’ lessons here are clear: When we are invited to a meal, we should humble ourselves and not act like the guest of honor – someone who is entitled to a banquet. When we serve a meal or host a feast, we are to invite those who cannot repay us. Jesus is teaching us about common meals – that is, a meal where all those invited are treated equally – a meal that no one deserves, yet all those invited are accepted. In Luke 7:36-47, Jesus even admonishes the host of a meal for setting himself above the level of his guests.
There is a common theme that runs through all of these passages: When God calls his children to his feast, he calls them as those who are undeserving, but who he invites in spite of their condition. Similarly, when God’s children are called by him to dine at his table, they are to respond in humility and servanthood, recognizing that they are accepted at the table of their Lord on account of his grace only.
Certainly, this has application for the Lord’s Supper. As we gather to remember and celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we gather around a common table with no hierarchy. Everyone who gathers around the table is a servant of the Master and of one another. No one is worthy. No one is deserving. No one has earned a place at the table.
But, the application of these passages reaches far beyond the scope of the Lord’s Supper. As we interact with one another and with the world around us, Jesus calls us to remember our common place in his kingdom and around his table – called to be servants, not kings; called to serve, not rule; called to support, not be seen; called to give, not receive; called to yield, not demand.
Around this common table – in common service to our Master – there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, neither black nor white nor yellow nor red nor brown, neither educated nor uneducated, neither clergy nor laity, neither rich nor poor… for we are all one in Christ.
We have been called to a common table. There is a seat at the head for the master of the feast. Then there are places on the floor for those who serve. There are no seats around the table for those who feel they deserve to be there. What place will you take?