The Table of Intimacy

By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong

1 Corinthiand 11:17-22 says, “In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!”

The church in Corinth is gathered together but there are divisions among them. There is a problem with this table. There is food but some are hungry. There is just one table but their hearts are apart. Could this be happening among us? Do we only make room for people we already know? Why do we gather together anyway? Do we remember the practice but forgot God anf the people He loves?

Before the last supper, there was already a planned killing (Matthew 26:3-5). His funeral was already being prepared (Matthew 26:6-7). Also, there was a planned betrayal taking place behind closed doors (Luke 22:1-6). Jesus knew all of these things and He still did everything He was supposed to do. And He gathered all of His disiciples at His table.

Jesus planned the last supper. They had no idea that He Himself was the passover lamb (Luke 22:7-13). It was very clear to Jesus that He was going to die. If you knoew it was your last day on earth, what would you do? Most people would want to know that they are loved, to experience forgiveness and peace, and to know that their life mattered, among many other things. Novody thought about their businesses, food they want to eat or what they look like.

Jesus wanted ro be with His disciples. Luke 22:15 said, “And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Although He knew Judas would betray Him, His disciples would be scattered and that Peter would deny Him, He still invited them to His table. He loved them until the end (John 13:1).

Church. Is the table Jeuss set before us. We all have shortcomings and sins that we could not forgive ourselves for. There isnnothing you can do that can make God love you less.

This is the intimacy that we are talking about. He knows you inside out. You don’t need to lie and pretend. Still, inspite of this, He love you very much still. He responded with trust, surrender and obedience.

When Jesus invited them at the table, the disciples still did not understand. So He told them His last instructions before He left. These are:

1. Serve one another. John 13:3-5,15-17 says, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” He washed their feet and expressed His true love through humble service. And He asked them to do the same. If you are part of Jesus’ table, He has already given you an example. Follow suite. Recieve Jesus’ cleaning and cleansing in your life. Who needs your time and attention right now? Bring them to church.

2. Love one another like how He loves you. John 13:34-35 says, ““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.”” The standard is Jesus. If you love like Jesus, it will be full of generosity, humility, forgiveness, care and so much more. You cannot give the love of Jesus if you do not have a relationship with Him. How do you love? You can’t say you love Jesus but hate somebody. Love should be shown.

3. Remember Jesus. Luke 22:17-20 says, “After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” You remember Him when you celebrate communion with fellow believers. Anyone who comes to Jesus will never grow hungry.

Sometimes, when we sit at the table, everything becomes a ritual. Examine your heart. Do not take communion without checking your heart. There is a dishonor in taking communion without checking your heart. What do you need to surrender to the Lord before you take His body and blood. Are you ready?