Take Your Place at the Table

Written by Julie Cosgrove

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“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. . . And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:21, 23-24).

If only the disciples knew how sacred that night of the Last Supper would become. If they had realized that over two thousand years later people would still be reenacting that night, would they have behaved better? Perhaps, perhaps not. They were, after all very human. Like us.

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Growing up, we each had our place at the family table for dinner. There were rules of etiquette to be followed according to Emily Post standards. Dad always sat at the head, mom at the other end. Sometimes though there was a scramble to change our seats and be the one to sit next to either Mom or Dad, to change the pecking order. Even though it has been years since they both have left this earth, it is still a discussion at family gatherings who should sit in those places. It is as if we don’t want their memories betrayed.

In one breath, the disciples went from questioning among themselves who would dare betray their leader, Jesus to who would be the least likely, i.e. who was the greatest and most worthy to be sitting there. Yet, by doing so, each in a way did just that. By arguing they betrayed who should be considered the greatest- God. They were calling attention to themselves and not the act Jesus had just performed. The sacred Last Supper before his death and sacrifice as the ultimate Lamb was defiled by their human pride.

We should take note from this story and examine how we approach God’s table. Do we quietly take our place, letting Him sit in the place of honor in our lives, or do we fight over our right to sit next to him? Do we approach Him humbly accepting Him as Lord, or come to report how good we have been and why we deserve to be in His presence?

Let us not forget the purpose of coming to His altar when communion is celebrated this Christmas. It is Jesus who has made us worthy to sup with Him, not any act we have done. There is a place for each of us at His table, but we should know our place, too.

Questions: When you approach God’s table, will you know your place? How will you know it?

About the Author Julie Cosgrove

Tags: Chat, Christmas, Emily Post, etiquette, honor, humbly, Jesus, Julie Cosgrove, lamb, Last Supperc, Memories, pecking order

3 Responses to “Take Your Place at the Table”

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Gail says:

December 12, 2010 at 9:29 am

Some days I’m overwhelmed that there is a place for me at His table. I’m eternally grateful He continues to invite this flawed sinner.
April says:

December 10, 2010 at 11:23 am

I take my place at the Lord’s table daily. Each time I pray and give thanks to the Lord and lift up his Holy Name; I am truly in the presence of our Eternal Father. Much thanks to My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who paid for all of us who believe, to have direct access to him. Amen!
Lja says:

December 10, 2010 at 9:30 am

Julie, Once again, your devotional spoke directly to me. I had an incident “at the table”… just the night b4 last. I’ve thanked God for being beside me (in that booth) every day since. It took me a min. to understand why it (the betrayal) had to happen, however God made it very clear to me what I need 2do. I learned something, and I will apply it to the rest of my life. After “it” happened, God sat so close to me that I could feel Him breathing… and every action and word (so few) that I spoke after, I know came right from Him. It was like He whispered them into my ear for (my husband) to hear them… as I sat quietly and the tears poured down my face. God comforted me as time flew; it was surreal. As we sat there eating our very expensive holiday meal in the extremely upscale restaurant I wept discretely, but felt nothing PTL… It’s now 2 days past, and God continues to comfort me. I praise Him every day for the love, mercy, & grace He gives to me. I feel it.