Tables are great equalizers that offer space for people to dwell. Sitting together at a table changes the dynamic of a meal; it becomes intentional. When we sit, we invite joy and depth into the conversation. In our fast-paced society, we don’t often take the time to sit around tables to share a meal. Yet as each year ends, we carve out space to share meals together during the holiday season. It is a blessing we count but often forget as the new year begins.

A great part of Jesus’s ministry was done around tables. In fact, who Jesus chose to eat with and his choice of table conversation was often deemed controversial. Maybe then it is worth considering what it would look like to sit at a table with Jesus.

Luke 14:1-23 presents a prime example of table time with Jesus, offering insight into the core values of spending intentional time with others. This passage takes place at a meal with religious leaders in the home of a prominent religious leader. Jesus is the guest, yet there are ulterior motives behind his invitation, and we are told “they were watching him carefully” (Luke 14:1). Despite this, Jesus—through his actions and his parables—teaches about what coming to the table should look like in a Kingdom-oriented world.

Historically, the meals of the wealthy would have been an open spectacle. Courtyard tables would be arranged outdoors in a similar way to our theatrical stages where the poor could look in on the meals. Such meals were a prideful display of privilege. In Luke 14:1-6, Jesus is sitting at the Pharisee’s table and calls up a man observing from the fringes. In the face of flaunted exclusivity, Jesus beckons others in. He demonstrates that there is always room for one more, despite what they may or may not bring to the table. While the Pharisees silently judged, Jesus chose to invite a broken man to the table for healing. The table is restorative and in this action, Jesus teaches us to make room for the hurting around our tables.

Jesus follows up this act of inclusivity with a parable of humility. The levels of piety from the Pharisees in this chapter are tangible, yet Jesus, the guest, is being judged by his every word. The invite Jesus received was not one of honor, but one issued out of suspicion and superiority. Jesus remarks on the prideful posturing of those around him saying, “When you are invited by someone to a feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:8, 11).

In a world transfixed by status, follower count, and influence, the call to humility may seem as jarring to us today as it did to those gathered around the table with Jesus. Our times of fellowship and community are not stages for us to prove our own worth, but opportunities for us to listen and learn from those around us. We may not recognize the wisdom and insights of the people in our company until we do what tables are best designed for and engage in revelatory conversations.

This leads beautifully into Jesus’ final lesson of the passage on the importance of being present. Sitting around a table means doing life with people. It is a vulnerable shared space, where masks can drop and authentic connections can blossom. When we are fully present, time around a table is always slow. With no shortage of distractions and directives vying for our attention, being fully in the moment—giving others our undivided focus can be challenging.

Jesus speaks directly to this problem through a story: “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses'' (Luke 14:16-18a). With our packed schedules and fast-moving lives, we might find ourselves relating to the individuals who ignored the Great Banquet invitation. The value of a good meal, of getting to know others around a table can feel shrouded by hassle. Jesus encourages us to take the leap, to show up for table time, in body and in spirit. In doing so, we may experience a depth of community filled with laughter and good food.

Luke 14 presents the table as an inclusive, humble, and present space. As we end the year, invitations to join tables with others become more frequent. While these meals could continue with our normal family traditions, what changes would we make if Jesus was an anticipated guest? By coming to the table with intention, we anticipate the Great Feast when all of creation will celebrate around an eternal table. This holiday season, may we make space for one another, extending welcome and care, and entering into opportunities for connection with intention.

Tables are great equalizers that offer space for people to dwell. Sitting together at a table changes the dynamic of a meal; it becomes intentional. When we sit, we invite joy and depth into the conversation. In our fast-paced society, we don’t often take the time to sit around tables to share a meal. Yet as each year ends, we carve out space to share meals together during the holiday season. It is a blessing we count but often forget as the new year begins.

A great part of Jesus’s ministry was done around tables. In fact, who Jesus chose to eat with and his choice of table conversation was often deemed controversial. Maybe then it is worth considering what it would look like to sit at a table with Jesus.

Luke 14:1-23 presents a prime example of table time with Jesus, offering insight into the core values of spending intentional time with others. This passage takes place at a meal with religious leaders in the home of a prominent religious leader. Jesus is the guest, yet there are ulterior motives behind his invitation, and we are told “they were watching him carefully” (Luke 14:1). Despite this, Jesus—through his actions and his parables—teaches about what coming to the table should look like in a Kingdom-oriented world.

Historically, the meals of the wealthy would have been an open spectacle. Courtyard tables would be arranged outdoors in a similar way to our theatrical stages where the poor could look in on the meals. Such meals were a prideful display of privilege. In Luke 14:1-6, Jesus is sitting at the Pharisee’s table and calls up a man observing from the fringes. In the face of flaunted exclusivity, Jesus beckons others in. He demonstrates that there is always room for one more, despite what they may or may not bring to the table. While the Pharisees silently judged, Jesus chose to invite a broken man to the table for healing. The table is restorative and in this action, Jesus teaches us to make room for the hurting around our tables.

Jesus follows up this act of inclusivity with a parable of humility. The levels of piety from the Pharisees in this chapter are tangible, yet Jesus, the guest, is being judged by his every word. The invite Jesus received was not one of honor, but one issued out of suspicion and superiority. Jesus remarks on the prideful posturing of those around him saying, “When you are invited by someone to a feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:8, 11).

In a world transfixed by status, follower count, and influence, the call to humility may seem as jarring to us today as it did to those gathered around the table with Jesus. Our times of fellowship and community are not stages for us to prove our own worth, but opportunities for us to listen and learn from those around us. We may not recognize the wisdom and insights of the people in our company until we do what tables are best designed for and engage in revelatory conversations.

This leads beautifully into Jesus’ final lesson of the passage on the importance of being present. Sitting around a table means doing life with people. It is a vulnerable shared space, where masks can drop and authentic connections can blossom. When we are fully present, time around a table is always slow. With no shortage of distractions and directives vying for our attention, being fully in the moment—giving others our undivided focus can be challenging.

Jesus speaks directly to this problem through a story: “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses'' (Luke 14:16-18a). With our packed schedules and fast-moving lives, we might find ourselves relating to the individuals who ignored the Great Banquet invitation. The value of a good meal, of getting to know others around a table can feel shrouded by hassle. Jesus encourages us to take the leap, to show up for table time, in body and in spirit. In doing so, we may experience a depth of community filled with laughter and good food.

Luke 14 presents the table as an inclusive, humble, and present space. As we end the year, invitations to join tables with others become more frequent. While these meals could continue with our normal family traditions, what changes would we make if Jesus was an anticipated guest? By coming to the table with intention, we anticipate the Great Feast when all of creation will celebrate around an eternal table. This holiday season, may we make space for one another, extending welcome and care, and entering into opportunities for connection with intention.