“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’ ”
– Luke 19:5-7
Jesus had an eating ministry. The heart of Christ is reconciliation, grace, forgiveness, and mercy, and particularly, He likes to do this with food. You might have heard me say this every Sunday back in the day. We used to serve communion and before I would invite people to take part, I would say, “Jesus has an eating ministry and He’s continuing it now in communion.” So much of Jesus’ ministry was inviting sinners — or people who were not supposed to associate with righteous people, to His table. The Bible speaks of a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus. By way of his occupation as a tax collector, he was not a favorite of the people. Commentaries describe and imply that tax collectors were traitors, thieves, and oppressors. But yet Jesus requested an audience with Zacchaeus. Friend, the Lord invites you to eat at His table today; to eat with Him just as you are, not as you want to be or not as you should be. Jesus, He is the bread of life, but He also offers us the bread of life. Come now and eat with us. |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for inviting me to sit at your table. Help me to share your heart of reconciliation, grace, forgiveness, and love with others.
Reflection
Have you objected to others coming into a relationship with Jesus? Who would the Lord have you invite to eat at your table?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Why do you no longer offer communion?