WEBVTT 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.359 Hi, I'm Pat Harding, one of the pastors here at Church of the Grove. 00:00:17.600 --> 00:00:18.559 Welcome. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:24.399 If I didn't get a chance to meet you before the service, then I hope I have the chance to meet you afterward. 00:00:24.640 --> 00:00:29.199 If you're watching with us online, then I really hope I have the pleasure of meeting you one day. 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:34.000 And for all of you, I hope that we have the opportunity to share a meal together sometime soon. 00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:38.479 In fact, if you want some of this homemade pita bread, just come on up and you can have a piece. 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:39.600 No takers. 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:40.159 All right. 00:00:40.399 --> 00:00:42.320 Well, y'all don't mind if I eat, right? 00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:43.280 Good. 00:00:44.399 --> 00:00:52.719 There's three things that I love doing: eating, meeting, and talking about Jesus. 00:00:53.200 --> 00:01:02.799 I don't know why, but for me, I find fulfillment in meeting, eating, and talking with people about what Jesus is doing in my life. 00:01:03.119 --> 00:01:05.280 We're in week number three of our blessed series. 00:01:05.359 --> 00:01:08.560 If this is your first week with us, then you missed the first two messages. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:11.680 I encourage you to go on the website and watch them. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:17.359 This series is called Blessed because it's based on this book, the title of which is Blessed. 00:01:17.599 --> 00:01:24.879 It's an acronym, which means the first letter, second letter, third letter, they all stand for a word or an idea. 00:01:25.200 --> 00:01:30.159 Week one, we talked about the B, which was begin as in begin with prayer. 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:37.200 Last week, Brother Larry preached an incredible message on the letter L, and it's for listen. 00:01:37.519 --> 00:01:41.439 He told us that we listen with our ears and our eyes. 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:43.359 So why do we begin with prayer? 00:01:43.519 --> 00:01:46.079 Why do we listen and how does that lead to eat? 00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:48.640 This is a process. 00:01:49.680 --> 00:02:01.519 So as you're thinking about how do I share the gospel message with somebody that I don't really even know, why not begin praying for an opportunity to have a potential conversation with that person? 00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:06.000 As you're already praying, ask God to open your eyes to see the opportunity. 00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:12.479 Maybe you don't even know who you're praying for, it's just that somebody, oh God, let me share with somebody. 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:13.360 Let me tell you something. 00:02:13.439 --> 00:02:17.280 When you pray that kind of prayer, you almost never share with anybody. 00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:22.639 But when you start praying, Lord, today, help me to see the person that I should share with. 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:36.639 Help me find the relationship that you have already created for me to be able to sew into in order to share my spiritual journey with somebody and perhaps help them begin their own spiritual journey. 00:02:37.280 --> 00:02:41.599 The letter E, as you might have guessed, stands for eat. 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:48.800 And I guess it's kind of obvious when you see me why I was chosen to be the guy to lead the sermon on this message. 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:51.039 I love to eat, and it shows. 00:02:51.840 --> 00:02:54.879 I'm probably the most full-figured fellow on our staff. 00:02:55.039 --> 00:03:04.800 But anyway, the writers of this book, Blessed, Dave and John Ferguson, says right here on the front cover, have given us five everyday ways to love your neighbor and change the world. 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:07.360 And that's what this series is about. 00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:14.639 We started reading this some months ago, our staff did, and uh I'll be honest with you, I was like, okay, what's this? 00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:18.719 Some cheesy book about an acronym called Blessed. 00:03:18.800 --> 00:03:19.599 What does that mean? 00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:32.639 The more I read, the more I realized that there's a process to building a relationship that produces trust and then provokes deep conversations about life-changing spiritual matters. 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:34.400 There's a process to it. 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:41.280 I'd never really thought about being intentional and building relationships because it was something that came intuitively to me. 00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:47.520 Maybe it's because I grew up in a family with 12 kids, two parents, and anywhere from 10 to 15 pets. 00:03:47.599 --> 00:03:51.039 I mean, there was always somebody or something to talk to at my house. 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:52.719 And it didn't even have to be a human. 00:03:52.800 --> 00:03:56.639 I could talk to a dog just as surely as I could my brothers or sisters. 00:03:57.280 --> 00:04:01.680 But not everybody has this ability to craft these deep relationships. 00:04:01.840 --> 00:04:04.080 It doesn't come intuitively to everyone. 00:04:04.319 --> 00:04:10.639 That was maybe the biggest shock for me was that some people didn't want to have a relationship. 00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:12.400 Like, why not? 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:17.360 Well, maybe it's because you just don't want to go through the process of building a relationship with someone. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:18.560 It's hard work. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:24.560 Maybe you don't want that storm of life that's gonna test your friendship. 00:04:24.720 --> 00:04:29.519 Maybe you're scared about getting hurt by someone because you've been hurt by someone in the past. 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:37.839 But I'm telling you, it's these types of relationships that help us grow into the image of Christ. 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:47.439 So as our staff was talking through the series, it was just apparently obvious to everyone that I should talk about the letter E because it refers to eating with people. 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:49.040 And it's something I love to do. 00:04:49.199 --> 00:04:52.079 In fact, I've probably shared a meal with a bunch of folks in this room. 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:57.279 I thought about asking you to raise your hand, but then I thought, ugh, what about the four or five that I haven't eaten with? 00:04:57.439 --> 00:04:59.120 Then they might feel left out. 00:04:59.279 --> 00:05:09.040 So I'm not gonna do that, but I'm telling you, if it if we can talk about Jesus and we can share a meal, you're probably gonna hear something about my grandkids. 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:16.480 And my favorite time of the day is when I get to share a meal with my grandkids. 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:20.720 We all live in this one compound, and so we share a meal together every day. 00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:30.879 And when Miss Joy is making this homemade pita bread and pizza crusts and all kind of good stuff like that, we love sitting around the table bonding and sharing. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:52.240 I'm excited today to share with you the Lord's Supper at the conclusion of our message because the Lord's Supper provides us with an intimate look into the life of Jesus, who wanted his last moments before he was arrested and crucified, to be spent with his disciples around a table. 00:05:53.360 --> 00:05:57.360 And I thought, man, my desire in life is to be more like Jesus. 00:05:57.600 --> 00:06:00.160 It's to lead other people to be more like him. 00:06:00.560 --> 00:06:06.560 So why not show how Jesus enjoyed sharing a meal with others? 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:17.519 In this book, A Meal with Jesus, one of my favorite books that I've read in the last 10 years, it's all about the meals that Jesus has with people throughout the Gospels. 00:06:17.680 --> 00:06:26.000 There's a writer that's quoted in here named Richard Karras who says, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:32.160 And sure enough, I went and looked through there, it's chock full of Jesus eating with people. 00:06:33.279 --> 00:06:34.800 So I want to be more like Jesus? 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:36.399 I'm gonna eat with people. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:46.800 I heard a story the other day about this couple that went to a marriage counselor because they want to try and improve their communication, help strengthen their relationship, and figured out how to talk to each other. 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:52.240 So the counselor says to the husband, Sir, your wife says that you never buy her flowers. 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:53.519 Is that true? 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:57.360 Well, the husband looks so bewildered and he stares at the counselor. 00:06:57.600 --> 00:07:00.240 He says, I never even knew she sold flowers. 00:07:03.040 --> 00:07:04.399 Good, four people got it. 00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:05.279 That's excellent. 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:11.839 You know, sometimes it isn't what we say, it's how we say it that matters. 00:07:12.800 --> 00:07:19.759 In fact, sometimes it's not even what we say or how we say it, it's how other people hear it. 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:22.560 Think about that for a minute. 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:30.240 Now I can sit up here and tell you, hey, let's go out and share meals with people, and what you hear is, oh, this dude wants me to go out and eat with everybody I meet. 00:07:30.639 --> 00:07:35.519 I don't know about y'all, but the cost of groceries today, I couldn't afford to go out and eat with everybody I meet. 00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:37.600 It'd be difficult for my family. 00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:43.120 Well, it let's just be honest, it's difficult for my family to feed me, much less other people. 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:48.399 But I want to share the gospel with others. 00:07:48.639 --> 00:07:52.240 I want you to share the gospel with others. 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:59.680 And since we all eat almost every day, why not just share what we have by inviting people to eat with us? 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:02.000 That's what we're gonna talk about this morning. 00:08:02.240 --> 00:08:06.160 Remember, I said this book right here outlines a process for building a relationship. 00:08:06.399 --> 00:08:14.160 Well, eating a meal is a valuable way for you to express your desire to invest in that relationship. 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:29.920 Your willingness to share a meal implies that you actually want to spend time with that person, that you think time with them is time well spent, and that it's worth whatever the cost you incur to have them over and share a meal. 00:08:30.160 --> 00:08:42.320 I don't think I ever stop to think about what an invitation to share a meal together entails, but it definitely communicates something to the individual that's being invited to join you. 00:08:42.639 --> 00:08:45.039 It tells them something about you. 00:08:45.840 --> 00:08:47.919 I love going to lunch with people. 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:50.799 I love talking with people about Jesus. 00:08:51.039 --> 00:08:56.639 I love helping others discover the next step on their faith journey so they can grow more like Jesus. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:09:03.519 And not only is that part of my job here at Church at the Grove, it's my passion in life. 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:10.159 And when you get to do something that's your passion, it really doesn't feel like a job, does it? 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:13.600 I mean, how many of you would love to have a job where you get to eat with people? 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:14.960 Isn't that fun? 00:09:15.519 --> 00:09:16.159 It is. 00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:23.440 Here's a big idea for today eating equals love, so share the love, right? 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:28.320 I mean, in this in his book, The Five Love Languages, Dr. 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:34.159 Gary Chapman describes how people uh communicate and receive love. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:38.480 I've often said there should be a sixth love language. 00:09:38.720 --> 00:09:40.080 It should be food. 00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:48.559 I feel like food deserves its own language because that's how I express my love to people is through eating with them, through sharing a meal. 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:49.519 Think about it. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:59.840 That means deciding what we're gonna eat, means going to the store and purchasing the ingredients, it means preparing those ingredients, it means sharing them at mealtime and cleaning up afterward. 00:10:00.159 --> 00:10:03.840 Man, what a profound expression of love. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:14.000 And you may say, oh, wait, I know the five love languages, and sharing a meal would be covered under an act of service or receiving gifts or quality time spent with each other. 00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:19.039 Well, I say that food deserves its own category because it's all those things and then some. 00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:34.399 In the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples, he provided us an example of sacrificial love as he donned an apron and then washed the feet of his disciples before sitting down to eat with them. 00:10:34.639 --> 00:10:37.200 What an incredible act of service. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:39.759 Hear this, okay? 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:43.519 I'm not suggesting you have a foot washing party before every meal. 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:44.320 All right? 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:46.159 No, that's not what I'm saying. 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:59.279 What I'm saying is that sharing a meal with someone requires a labor of love that's sacrificial by its very nature, much as Jesus modeled for us when he wiped and cleaned the disciples' feet. 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:05.200 Perhaps you ordered takeout and had it delivered doesn't make it any less valuable and maybe not even as tasty. 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:14.480 If you arranged to meet somebody at a restaurant and then you picked up the tab and someone else served you, it still expresses love and sacrifice on your part. 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:23.840 The mediums for expressing love through through the gift of food are numerous, but the message is still the same. 00:11:24.159 --> 00:11:25.919 Eating equals love. 00:11:26.399 --> 00:11:28.159 So why not share the love? 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:35.600 I've had relationships over the years that began with a prayer, were followed by a conversation, and then developed over a meal. 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:39.519 You may not even know exactly, as I said earlier, who you're praying for. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:47.279 It might just be this someone out there, but you can still be asking God every day, show me the someone that I'm to invest in. 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:50.399 Open my eyes to see what you see. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.919 Who is the person that needs to know you? 00:11:54.559 --> 00:11:58.720 And then when you recognize them, begin a conversation with them. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:03.279 Maybe it's in the driveway as you pass, you're taking your garbage out and they're coming in. 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:06.559 Or you're cutting the grass and you holler over the fence at them. 00:12:07.919 --> 00:12:12.559 The next logical step in that relationship is to offer an invitation. 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:15.120 Hey, would you like to come share lunch? 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:17.360 Would you like to come cook out with us? 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.039 And it may not happen immediately. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:21.039 This might not be an invitation for today. 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:23.759 It might be next week or the next holiday. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:28.720 It might be something that's convenient for both of you, but it has to be intentional. 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:30.399 It should be intentional. 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:32.879 It doesn't have to be, but it should be. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:40.960 Because if you really want to get to know someone, I'm going to tell you there's no better way than to be across the table from them. 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:43.279 I've often wondered why is that? 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:47.600 Why does it seem like people are more open as we're sharing a meal together? 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:51.679 I think it's because the focus is on the food rather than on you or me. 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:58.879 We're all talking about the food and how good it is, and then the next thing you know, you're sharing about the great God who gave you the food. 00:12:59.200 --> 00:13:08.799 In John chapter 2, we read that the public ministry of Jesus began over a meal as he celebrated with his new disciples at this wedding feast in Cana. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:21.519 If you go further in the book of John, chapters 13 through 17, we read that the public ministry of Jesus ended with a meal as he shares the Last Supper with His disciples in the upper room. 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:25.679 You know what Jesus is known for over and over in the Gospels? 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:27.840 Eating with sinners. 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:30.320 Over and over you'll read that. 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:33.600 The Son of Man came eating and drinking with sinners. 00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:34.639 Guess what? 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.480 Wasn't an insult to him. 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:38.559 Think about that. 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:46.399 The religious leaders and the Pharisees, they were intending to insult Jesus by saying, He eats with sinners, tax collectors. 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:48.480 Jesus thought, hey, that's right. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:49.279 That's awesome. 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:50.399 That's who I am. 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:55.200 Because he understands sharing a meal is the best way to build a relationship. 00:13:55.360 --> 00:14:02.799 And as he builds a relationship, he's able to share his purpose, which is to come and die for the forgiveness of sins. 00:14:03.039 --> 00:14:08.559 So when you share a meal, there are at least four characteristics of Jesus that I believe you share with your guests. 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.840 And we're going to look at those today. 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:16.960 In John chapter 13, we read that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they gathered in the upper room for their last shared meal. 00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:24.320 So the first characteristic that we see Jesus modeling in this passage is that of serving others. 00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:29.360 Sharing a meal involves serving others. 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:32.000 Let's read verses 1 through 6. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:43.039 Now, before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:15:00.240 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:04.720 He laid aside his outer garments and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:12.960 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with a towel that was wrapped around him. 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:22.639 Now I'm not saying wash the feet of every guest that comes into your home, because that let's just face it, that would be really awkward in today's culture, wouldn't it? 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:28.080 I went one time to this meal and there was a foot washing beforehand. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:30.240 I didn't know about it, and I had a hole in my sock. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:33.519 I was like, ah, great, I wore the holy socks today. 00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:38.080 You know, but I didn't want anybody to see it, so I was real embarrassed and awkward trying to get it. 00:15:38.559 --> 00:15:40.000 We don't want awkward situation. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:41.840 I mean, if it happens, it happens. 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:46.879 But the washing of feet in these days provided a welcome respite for the traveler. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:51.200 A respite from the heat of the day, from the dust and the dirt. 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:55.120 It cleaned and cooled those who were participating in the meal. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:16:02.320 Now, this was a function that was normally performed by a servant in the home, not by the host. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:08.480 But Jesus is teaching us that the best way to lead people into a relationship with him is to serve them. 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:15.759 Next week's message is on serving, and you'll hear all about how to serve others as we dig into this passage a little further. 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:21.759 But the second characteristic that we see Jesus model in today's passage is one of inclusion. 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:25.120 Because sharing a meal is inclusive. 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:28.480 Let's read Luke 22, 14 through 23. 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:31.120 And this is the passage we're going to kind of focus in on this morning. 00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:32.559 Luke 22. 00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:36.399 And when the hour came, he reclined at table and the apostles with him. 00:16:36.639 --> 00:16:41.600 And he said to them, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:45.919 For I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:51.679 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, Take this and divide it among yourselves. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:57.440 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. 00:16:57.679 --> 00:17:04.720 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you. 00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:07.119 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:14.160 And likewise the cup, after they had eaten, saying, This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:20.079 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:26.000 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:30.319 And they began to question one another which of them it could be who was going to do this. 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:36.400 Now, can you imagine hosting a dinner party and inviting someone that you know is about to betray you? 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:38.480 I'm not just talking about some hurt feelings. 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:41.440 I'm talking about they're gonna get you arrested and killed. 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:43.440 That's what Jesus did. 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:50.400 He's teaching us not to exclude someone just because their lifestyle or their choices don't align with ours. 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:54.960 Now that gets to the to the quick, doesn't it? 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:59.599 He's saying, don't exclude someone because they're not like you. 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:03.119 It's easy for us to share a meal with somebody that's like us, isn't it? 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:08.480 But man, some of the most incredible meals I've had were the people that were polar opposites from me. 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:12.240 I remember this guy one time when Kelsey was real little. 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:15.119 She was playing soccer at Blue Springs. 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:21.920 She made friends with this little girl on the team, and I noticed her mom was one of the coaches, but her dad always stood on the sidelines. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:24.000 So I tried, I tried talking to him. 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:30.960 It seemed like week after week, the deeper we got into the season, the more this guy avoided me. 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:35.519 We'd come up and I'd look for him, I'd go, hey, hey, hey, and he'd be like, Oh, I gotta go, I gotta go. 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:39.519 He wouldn't hardly talk to him, it was like, you know, pulling teeth to get him to chat. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:44.319 Somehow, somewhere I got this idea, hey, let's have a meal together. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:46.880 So we invited him to come over and eat. 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:53.200 And he felt obligated, so he invited us to come over and eat the following weekend. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:55.440 Guess what happened? 00:18:55.920 --> 00:19:02.000 For the next year almost, we shared a meal every weekend together. 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:04.400 Our house, their house, our house, their house. 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:08.160 Well, mostly their house because he was he grilled out and he was fantastic. 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:14.960 But we got this really deep friendship, and after about a year, they started coming to church with us. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:19.920 And after about a year of coming to church with us, they made the decision to follow Jesus. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:23.920 And a couple of years later, they went overseas as missionaries. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:29.039 You talk about a changed life? 00:19:29.599 --> 00:19:33.119 It started over a meal, and he didn't even like me. 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:45.839 But he was a guy completely different from me, completely that had different views on everything, but we became really, really close friends to this day. 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:51.039 Jesus says, or he teaches us in this passage to include everyone. 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:56.000 Think about it, he's got tax collectors, he's got fishermen, probably some nasty, stinky ones. 00:19:56.160 --> 00:20:01.440 He's got this sneaky, greedy thief named Judas Iscariot, and they're all at his table. 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:07.440 He didn't choose the most desirable men to join him in ministry or at a meal. 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:11.440 Rather, he chose the least likely to succeed, didn't he? 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:14.799 I believe Jesus is still doing that today. 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:18.720 In fact, I think I'm living proof of that. 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:23.440 If you had known me before Jesus changed me, you wouldn't have liked me. 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:28.960 I met someone in the lobby today who said to me, Oh, I remember you from the basketball league. 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:32.480 The basketball league that I got banned from for fighting. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.519 Yeah. 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:35.839 Yeah, hey, I'm gonna be preaching today. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.880 Nice to meet you. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:48.799 I sometimes still find it hard to believe that God has chosen me to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with other people. 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:52.240 So I want to ask you, what about you? 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:56.480 Who are you inviting to share your table with? 00:20:57.039 --> 00:21:00.000 Who are you inviting to come in and be part of your family? 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:08.000 The third characteristic that we see Jesus model in this passage is generosity, because sharing a meal is being generous. 00:21:08.319 --> 00:21:12.559 Let's look closer at verses 17 through 19 in Luke chapter 22. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:23.759 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, Take this and divide it among yourselves, for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:28.079 And he took bread, probably some bread kind of like this right here. 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:35.519 He broke, when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you. 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:37.519 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:47.920 Jesus shared the bread and wine with all of his disciples, even though they did not understand the significance of his actions or his words. 00:21:48.240 --> 00:22:00.880 Now I can remember one Easter when we were serving in Romania that we'd gone out on a Saturday, we had a Reach the Homeless project, and we shared sandwiches with the homeless people of our city, many of whom lived under bridges and Overpasses. 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:06.880 We invited them to come join us the next day for our Easter service and then have a meal with us after the service. 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:16.319 So these two guys come strolling in uh the next morning and they stayed for the service, which by the way is the only time I've ever been heckled during a message, but it was okay. 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:20.880 After spending some time with them, you know, they stayed for the meal afterward. 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:23.920 I realized these guys only came for the food. 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:27.759 They didn't care about the message, they just wanted the food. 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:32.880 My prayer was this: that they walked away with much more than they came for. 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:35.200 Much more than a full belly. 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:43.039 Because our goal was to offer them food, yes, but it was to offer them much more than they imagined they would receive when they accepted the invitation to come. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:46.640 We shared a sandwich on Saturday, that piqued their interest. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:56.640 We shared our worship and an Easter meal with them on Sunday, and then we sent them away with a loaf of fresh bread for later and an open invitation to join us at any time. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:23:07.839 When you open your table to others, especially the marginalized in society, you are practicing the generosity of Jesus. 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:16.559 He generously gave us more than we could ever ask or imagine when he died on the cross and rose again. 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:28.400 As we remember him this morning in a few minutes as we celebrate the Lord's Supper, let's begin now asking Jesus to show us how we can be generous with those around us, especially those in need. 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:32.720 And now listen, all needs are not just physical needs. 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:39.119 You might meet somebody that has more than you do, but they have a deep relational need. 00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:44.799 They don't have any friends, they have no support network, there's no community in their life. 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:53.279 Think of someone right now that you might know or be aware of that needs a friend and maybe invite them for lunch. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:56.000 Maybe invite them to be part of your community group. 00:23:56.160 --> 00:24:00.480 The Tuesday night men's group is having a meal right here this Tuesday night. 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:02.079 Jake and I are bringing ribs. 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.839 I don't know what everybody else is bringing. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:10.400 But men, if you want to come be part of a community group and you're not part of one now, this is an open invitation. 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:12.000 Be here at six o'clock. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:16.480 I say we'll be through at eight, but I guess it depends on how much everybody eats and talks. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:24.240 Join us and figure out, man, what is God saying to me and what does he want me to do about it? 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:31.039 And who can I invite to come share a meal with me so we can explore faith together? 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:36.160 Hey, maybe you're not part of a community group, or maybe your group doesn't do meals. 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:39.599 Why not just invite somebody to come home with you after church? 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:41.599 Have Sunday lunch. 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:44.559 Or if you need time to prepare, tell them to come an hour later. 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:47.119 That gives them time to go home and get changed, right? 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:50.000 Man, we ought to be eating more together. 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:59.519 The fourth characteristic that I see Jesus display in this passage is one of promise because sharing a meal leads to a shared future. 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:01.920 Think about what's implied in the invitation. 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:13.119 In verses 14 and 15, Jesus said, He said to them, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:23.680 Now listen, when you invite someone to share a meal with you, you're not only serving them and including them and practicing generosity toward them, you're actually offering them the promise of friendship, aren't you? 00:25:24.160 --> 00:25:30.880 When you invite them into your home or you invite them to your table, you're offering them friendship. 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:35.680 You're opening the door for them to perhaps build a relationship with you. 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:42.720 Your actions convey so much more than you realize as you invite others to share your table. 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:46.799 Now, I don't know how you do this if you're just watching online or you're confined to home. 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:50.960 Maybe you do a virtual meal and you FaceTime each other and eat together. 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:52.480 Why not, right? 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:55.359 We got to pivot and go in some direction, don't we? 00:25:55.599 --> 00:26:08.640 The hospitality practiced in ancient times is not the same as it is today because a lot of us eat our meals in our vehicles on the way from one place to another or sitting at home in front of our television sets alone, don't we? 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:16.480 All the way back in Genesis 14, we read an encounter of hospitality that's like nothing you've ever seen before. 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:29.839 Here's what it says Let a little water be brought and wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on, since you have come to your servant. 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:36.400 This is Abram offering a little water and bread to these three guys that show up outside of his tent. 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:39.680 He doesn't realize at the time they're celestial beings. 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:45.039 It's been suggested that one of them was actually a Theophany, this pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:54.000 The other two were angels, but he says, just stay here for a minute and let me give you a piece of bread and something to drink, which is what I got here. 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:57.039 A little water and some bread and cheese. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:59.119 Guess what Abram does? 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:02.000 He lays out a feast. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:10.240 He slaughters animals, he prepares meals, he bakes fresh bread, he treats these guys like kings. 00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:13.359 That is hospitality. 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:19.279 Abram gave much more than was promised, and that's what Jesus is doing at the Last Supper. 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:27.680 He's saying, take this bread and drink this wine, but he's offering salvation, forgiveness, and eternal friendship. 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:32.240 He's promising us so much more than we could ever ask or imagine. 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:39.440 He's promising us the most incredible banquet in heaven once we leave this earth. 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:49.839 And as a guy who likes to eat and share a meal with others, I can tell you I'm eagerly anticipating the meal that's promised to us by our Lord and Savior. 00:27:50.319 --> 00:27:59.519 I want to challenge you today to continue praying for those around you and to invite one of them to share a meal with you this week. 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:05.599 If you don't get to it this week, at least invite them this week, and maybe you can share the meal next week. 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:08.000 But let's all consider that. 00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:11.279 Who would God want me to invest in? 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.960 Would you pray with me? 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:21.759 If you've not yet placed your faith in Jesus, would you ask him today to enact his covenant of love and redemption with you right now? 00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:27.519 You could say something like this, Father, I don't know Jesus yet, but I want to. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:37.119 So today, help me to take the step of faith and receive the forgiveness for my sins that you promised through the death of Jesus and resurrection. 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:49.119 Help me, Father, to admit I'm a sinner, to believe Jesus is the redemption for those sins, and then to commit the rest of my life to serving you. 00:28:49.680 --> 00:29:00.960 For those, Father, who um who have already received Jesus and have tried to follow him but don't really know how to take the next step. 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:19.119 Today, I want you to open their eyes to see the white fields of the harvest that are around us and show them how to be part of that harvest, how to and how to open their eyes to see the people that need a relationship and how to invite them to come and share a meal and begin a faith journey together. 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:30.000 Lord, as we prepare to take the Lord's Supper, Father, I ask you to look deep into each of our hearts, convict us of our sins, show us those things that we need to repent of. 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:37.119 And right now, may we ask you, Father, for forgiveness for our sins and to cleanse us from all impurities. 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:39.519 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.400 Amen. 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:43.440 We're going to prepare to take the Lord's Supper now.