The Table of the Lord: Us as the Host
Speaker: Carey Tanzola and Josh Jansen
Carey’s Sermon - Us as the Host
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:17-22,23-28 Acts 18:6,13
Sermon Recap
The Lord’s Table, or Holy Communion, continues to be our focus this week from two additional vantage points: The first one aligns with Pastor Pierre’s sermon last week on the presence of Jesus as host. This week we turn our attention to ourselves, the participants, as hosts as preached by Pastor Carey; the second vantage point turns our attention to hosting the lost at the Table of the Lord, by Pastor Josh.
A brief review: When we practice the presence of Jesus as Host at the Table of the Lord, we come together to not only observe, but to participate in the event. As we participate, we are reminded of Christ’s sacrifice, not only from a historical viewpoint, but to inhabit the moment by being present. Using our interactive card we were led through pointed reflective questions regarding our personal readiness, and then in an unconventional manner, shared our cup with someone nearby, and prayed with them...thus leaning into the communal aspect of sharing as we participated in communion. We are renewed through our participation with God as He works through us to extend His kingdom here on earth.
It is the point of renewal where we as Jesus followers, should find an internal transformation as well as external transformation, because as hosts, we find that we cannot be present with others, until we are present with ourselves. With Jesus as the Host, there's always the invitation to look inward, to examine ourselves...but don’t stop there...we have to allow that introspection to change who we are. Jesus as Host, modeled how we should host each other. We should be conduits of God’s presence breaking through a broken world. The way for believers can be summarized in four words...
Offer what we have
Break as we witness the brokenness in others, we break also
Bless we embody Emmanuel, God with us
Thanksgiving what we have is enough
Opening ourselves up is messy and risky, but here we witness Christ at work in one another. it is the way...
Ponder these thoughts and share how we might experience renewal within and renewal lived out...
Discussion Questions
It was said that we can’t be present with others until we are present with ourselves. What are you personally in need of? (peace, safety, community, healing?)
It was said that when it comes to relationships, sometimes we avoid the everything we need most. Does that statement resonate with you? Why or why not?
Whom might you invite to sit at your table at work? In a cafeteria? A gathering?
Josh’s Sermon - Hosting the Lost
Jesus’ seat at the table was met with confrontation by the religious teachers and rabbis who demanded to know why he would stoop so low as to sit with tax collectors and sinners. Luke 5:27-32 explains Jesus’ explanation. Jesus made it very clear to the religious leaders who reviled Him where His mission lay...He came to seek and to save the lost.Today, without this realization, we are still missing the point. The Lord’s Table is a call to the transformational presence of Jesus in our everyday lives. How are we going to continue the mission of Jesus if we are not present with people?
What do you imagine conversation at the Lord's take looked like as he ate with the lost? Was it easy- going conversation? Can you imagine that perhaps, (gasp) even laughter? We can definitely imagine that He was fully present as He interacted with the lost.
Discussion Questions
What was your overall response to the back to back sermonettes? How has your view of the Lord/’s table been affected?
Ask yourself, “Who is at your table, both figuratively and literally speaking? What message are you sending without saying a word?
How can you practice the presence of Christ with you at the table, so you can Be present with others? In what tangible ways can you practice His presence?
What is your posture as you walk through your week?
In what ways can we continue the mission of Jesus to the lost by inviting the presence of Jesus in our daily walk?
