Monday
Come to the Table
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, ‘Take this, and divide it among yourselves.’” — Luke 22:17 ESV
In 1987, United Airlines launched the “Unlimited AAirpass,” giving high-spending customers the ability to fly anywhere, anytime, for life. It sounded amazing until they realized some customers were booking thousands of flights a year, sometimes just to eat lunch in Paris. Eventually, United revoked several passes, citing “abuse.” Even a seat in first class has its limits.
But when Jesus invites us to His table, it’s not a limited-time offer. It’s not just for the spiritual elite or the religiously impressive. It’s not earned through loyalty or revoked for failure. Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Passover meal and transformed it forever. The bread and the cup were no longer just symbols of Israel’s past redemption, but now of the redemption He was about to secure for the whole world. His broken body and shed blood would be the foundation of a new covenant. It’s a relationship not based on performance, but on grace.
This is the table of forgiveness. The table of mercy. The table where Jesus, knowing full well what each of His disciples would soon do—deny, doubt, abandon—still passed the bread. Still offered the cup. Still invited them to come. If you feel too unworthy, too inconsistent, or too far gone to sit with Jesus, remember this: the table was never for the perfect. It was always for the hungry.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to include broken people at His table?
2. Do you feel worthy to come to the table? Why or why not?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for welcoming me even in my weakness. I do not deserve a place at Your table, but You offer it freely. Help me come with a humble heart, remembering Your love and sacrifice. Amen.
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, ‘Take this, and divide it among yourselves.’” — Luke 22:17 ESV
In 1987, United Airlines launched the “Unlimited AAirpass,” giving high-spending customers the ability to fly anywhere, anytime, for life. It sounded amazing until they realized some customers were booking thousands of flights a year, sometimes just to eat lunch in Paris. Eventually, United revoked several passes, citing “abuse.” Even a seat in first class has its limits.
But when Jesus invites us to His table, it’s not a limited-time offer. It’s not just for the spiritual elite or the religiously impressive. It’s not earned through loyalty or revoked for failure. Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Passover meal and transformed it forever. The bread and the cup were no longer just symbols of Israel’s past redemption, but now of the redemption He was about to secure for the whole world. His broken body and shed blood would be the foundation of a new covenant. It’s a relationship not based on performance, but on grace.
This is the table of forgiveness. The table of mercy. The table where Jesus, knowing full well what each of His disciples would soon do—deny, doubt, abandon—still passed the bread. Still offered the cup. Still invited them to come. If you feel too unworthy, too inconsistent, or too far gone to sit with Jesus, remember this: the table was never for the perfect. It was always for the hungry.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to include broken people at His table?
2. Do you feel worthy to come to the table? Why or why not?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for welcoming me even in my weakness. I do not deserve a place at Your table, but You offer it freely. Help me come with a humble heart, remembering Your love and sacrifice. Amen.
Tuesday
It Was for the Traitor
“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.” —Luke 22:21–23 (ESV)
In England, a man faked his own death to avoid paying speeding tickets. He went so far as to send in a forged death certificate. One small problem: he spelled the word “Registry” wrong. He got caught. The police officer who arrested him said, “He tried to cheat the system, but the truth caught up with him.”
Judas thought he could cheat the Savior. He sat at the table. Ate the bread. Drank the cup. But his heart had already sold Jesus for a bag of silver. What’s remarkable is that Jesus still welcomed him to the meal. Jesus still washed his feet. Jesus still gave him a seat of honor at the table. The mercy of Christ was so rich, so full, that even the one who would betray Him was invited in. Why would Jesus allow that? To show us something incredible: no one is beyond His reach. Jesus doesn’t withdraw the invitation because of your past. The table is not just a place of remembrance, it’s a place of rescue. Even traitors have a seat.
We’re all tempted to play the part of Judas. We sell our loyalty for far less than silver. We trade the truth for comfort, approval, or convenience. But the table reminds us of the price Jesus paid for traitors like us and the grace He still offers.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Jesus’ treatment of Judas tell you about His grace?
2. Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to trade faithfulness for something less?
Prayer:
Lord, I’m humbled that You invite even the broken and unfaithful to Your table. Thank You for mercy that goes beyond betrayal.
“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.” —Luke 22:21–23 (ESV)
In England, a man faked his own death to avoid paying speeding tickets. He went so far as to send in a forged death certificate. One small problem: he spelled the word “Registry” wrong. He got caught. The police officer who arrested him said, “He tried to cheat the system, but the truth caught up with him.”
Judas thought he could cheat the Savior. He sat at the table. Ate the bread. Drank the cup. But his heart had already sold Jesus for a bag of silver. What’s remarkable is that Jesus still welcomed him to the meal. Jesus still washed his feet. Jesus still gave him a seat of honor at the table. The mercy of Christ was so rich, so full, that even the one who would betray Him was invited in. Why would Jesus allow that? To show us something incredible: no one is beyond His reach. Jesus doesn’t withdraw the invitation because of your past. The table is not just a place of remembrance, it’s a place of rescue. Even traitors have a seat.
We’re all tempted to play the part of Judas. We sell our loyalty for far less than silver. We trade the truth for comfort, approval, or convenience. But the table reminds us of the price Jesus paid for traitors like us and the grace He still offers.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Jesus’ treatment of Judas tell you about His grace?
2. Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to trade faithfulness for something less?
Prayer:
Lord, I’m humbled that You invite even the broken and unfaithful to Your table. Thank You for mercy that goes beyond betrayal.
Wednesday
It Was for the Arrogant
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them… But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. ’— Luke 22:24–27 (ESV)
In 2009, Burger King launched a marketing campaign that offered a free Whopper to anyone who unfriended ten people on Facebook. It was called the “Whopper Sacrifice.” Over 230,000 people lost friends in exchange for a burger. Apparently, a flame-grilled patty was worth more than some people’s dignity.
The disciples were not arguing over fast food, but their conversation at the Last Supper wasn’t much more impressive. Right after Jesus offers His body and blood, they start fighting over who is the greatest. Jesus had just shown the ultimate act of humility, and they were comparing résumés. Yet He did not throw up His hands and walk out. He did not revoke their seats at the table. Instead, He reminded them that His kingdom operates upside down. The greatest serve. The leaders stoop low. The King washes feet.
Jesus was not just correcting their arrogance, but was loving them through it. He was showing them that His table is for people who still don’t get it. Who still think too highly of themselves. Who still need to learn that the cross kills pride. And that is good news for us. Because we, too, come to the table with pride, with ego, with the desire to be known. But Jesus offers grace, not just to the humble, but to those still learning how to be.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways do you struggle with spiritual pride or self-focus?
2. How does Jesus model true greatness through serving?
Prayer:
Jesus, teach me to follow Your example. Let me be great in Your eyes by becoming small in my own.
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them… But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. ’— Luke 22:24–27 (ESV)
In 2009, Burger King launched a marketing campaign that offered a free Whopper to anyone who unfriended ten people on Facebook. It was called the “Whopper Sacrifice.” Over 230,000 people lost friends in exchange for a burger. Apparently, a flame-grilled patty was worth more than some people’s dignity.
The disciples were not arguing over fast food, but their conversation at the Last Supper wasn’t much more impressive. Right after Jesus offers His body and blood, they start fighting over who is the greatest. Jesus had just shown the ultimate act of humility, and they were comparing résumés. Yet He did not throw up His hands and walk out. He did not revoke their seats at the table. Instead, He reminded them that His kingdom operates upside down. The greatest serve. The leaders stoop low. The King washes feet.
Jesus was not just correcting their arrogance, but was loving them through it. He was showing them that His table is for people who still don’t get it. Who still think too highly of themselves. Who still need to learn that the cross kills pride. And that is good news for us. Because we, too, come to the table with pride, with ego, with the desire to be known. But Jesus offers grace, not just to the humble, but to those still learning how to be.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways do you struggle with spiritual pride or self-focus?
2. How does Jesus model true greatness through serving?
Prayer:
Jesus, teach me to follow Your example. Let me be great in Your eyes by becoming small in my own.
Thursday
It Was for the Coward
And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.’ — Luke 22:31–34 (ESV)
During World War II, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, returned to Nazi Germany from the safety of the United States because he believed he could not desert his people in their time of need. He wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Eventually, he was imprisoned and executed for standing against Hitler.
That kind of courage is what we often admire, but do not always possess. Peter certainly didn’t. He had promised Jesus, “I will go with you to prison and to death.” But hours later, he denied Him three times before a servant girl. Courage collapsed into cowardice. Yet Jesus knew it would happen. And instead of rejecting Peter, Jesus prayed for him. He prepared him. He preserved him. Jesus did not say, “If you are strong enough, follow Me.” He said, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.”
The Communion table reminds us that Jesus is not surprised by our weakness. He knows our limitations. He knows our failures before we do. And still, He invites us close. If you have ever felt like a spiritual coward, afraid to speak up, stand up, or live boldly, you are not alone. Jesus did not give up on Peter, and He will not give up on you.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to you that Jesus prays for your faith to endure?
2. How can you move forward even after spiritual failure?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for not giving up on me even when I give up on myself. Strengthen my faith when I feel weak.
And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.’ — Luke 22:31–34 (ESV)
During World War II, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, returned to Nazi Germany from the safety of the United States because he believed he could not desert his people in their time of need. He wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Eventually, he was imprisoned and executed for standing against Hitler.
That kind of courage is what we often admire, but do not always possess. Peter certainly didn’t. He had promised Jesus, “I will go with you to prison and to death.” But hours later, he denied Him three times before a servant girl. Courage collapsed into cowardice. Yet Jesus knew it would happen. And instead of rejecting Peter, Jesus prayed for him. He prepared him. He preserved him. Jesus did not say, “If you are strong enough, follow Me.” He said, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.”
The Communion table reminds us that Jesus is not surprised by our weakness. He knows our limitations. He knows our failures before we do. And still, He invites us close. If you have ever felt like a spiritual coward, afraid to speak up, stand up, or live boldly, you are not alone. Jesus did not give up on Peter, and He will not give up on you.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to you that Jesus prays for your faith to endure?
2. How can you move forward even after spiritual failure?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for not giving up on me even when I give up on myself. Strengthen my faith when I feel weak.
Friday
It Was for the Weak
And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’… And he came and found them sleeping for sorrow. — Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)
A man in India was so tired of work stress that he faked his own kidnapping. He texted his family claiming he had been abducted. Turns out, he was hiding out in a friend’s house, eating snacks and playing video games. The police found him two days later and made him go back to work.
The disciples did not fake a kidnapping, but they did fall asleep on Jesus at the worst possible moment. While He was sweating drops of blood and preparing to face the cross, they were knocked out in the garden. Not once. Not twice. Three times. These were not strangers. These were His closest friends. They could not stay awake, could not pray, could not carry the burden with Him. They were too tired, too overwhelmed, too human. And still, Jesus loved them. He did not fire them from discipleship. He did not cancel the plan. He walked to the cross anyway. For the strong? No—for the weak.
Perhaps you feel like those disciples and are spiritually sleepy, emotionally drained, and physically worn out. Jesus knows. He sees. And He still went to the cross with you in mind. The Communion table is not a reward for those who always get it right. It is a gift for those who often get it wrong. It is a reminder that grace is not just for the strong; it is especially for the weak.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you learn about Jesus from the way He treats the sleepy disciples?
2. How can His grace encourage you when you feel spiritually worn out?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You see me in my weakness and love me anyway. Help me find strength in Your grace today.
And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’… And he came and found them sleeping for sorrow. — Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)
A man in India was so tired of work stress that he faked his own kidnapping. He texted his family claiming he had been abducted. Turns out, he was hiding out in a friend’s house, eating snacks and playing video games. The police found him two days later and made him go back to work.
The disciples did not fake a kidnapping, but they did fall asleep on Jesus at the worst possible moment. While He was sweating drops of blood and preparing to face the cross, they were knocked out in the garden. Not once. Not twice. Three times. These were not strangers. These were His closest friends. They could not stay awake, could not pray, could not carry the burden with Him. They were too tired, too overwhelmed, too human. And still, Jesus loved them. He did not fire them from discipleship. He did not cancel the plan. He walked to the cross anyway. For the strong? No—for the weak.
Perhaps you feel like those disciples and are spiritually sleepy, emotionally drained, and physically worn out. Jesus knows. He sees. And He still went to the cross with you in mind. The Communion table is not a reward for those who always get it right. It is a gift for those who often get it wrong. It is a reminder that grace is not just for the strong; it is especially for the weak.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you learn about Jesus from the way He treats the sleepy disciples?
2. How can His grace encourage you when you feel spiritually worn out?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You see me in my weakness and love me anyway. Help me find strength in Your grace today.
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