This Lent we follow Jesus as he faces evil in the hours before his death. What is evil? Who is doing evil against Jesus during Passion Week? What are ways in which we are complicit in evil? Do we take evil seriously? As we experience evil in our own lives, discover how Jesus stands in the face of evil.
Invocation
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, who delivers us from all evil.
Invitation Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, stay with me. There is evil within me, and I am so often attentive to it. I am easily overcome by my own desire to get away from you and be free to have everything I want and to do everything I want. Lord, give me the real freedom of your life in me. By your victory over temptation, make me victorious. By the power of your love make me strong. Amen. (from The Lutheran Book of Prayer, CPH, 1970)
Word
Luke 22:14
“When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.”
Meditation: A Place at the Table by Anna Jacob
A table—the place we gather around. To do work. To eat. To discuss matters of importance. To argue. To share. To debate. To unite. To divide. A table can be a powerful thing.
A table is sturdy, built to last. Often made from wood, a table is strong, built for a purpose.
Everyone wants a seat at the table, especially the dinner table. It is the place my family would gather most evenings for a shared meal. It was the place we celebrated birthdays, carved pumpkins, played board games, and baked cookies. We ate as a family, and everyone had a seat.
But there was one seat we children wanted more than the others. It was on the side with one seat, rather than scrunched together on the side with three seats. In this spot, we would not have to worry about bumping elbows or getting in and out. But this seat came with a cost. It was on the side closest to the kitchen area, which meant you were tasked with grabbing the butter or getting another serving spoon or more napkins. To claim this seat, you needed to arrive first at the table or if you had helped set the table, you were granted the honor of this seat. Even with these set rules, there were still times this spot was argued over. Who really deserved to sit there?
We all want a seat at the table, but often we find ourselves at odds with each other, fighting over the same spot. We may see this in our daily lives as we argue for our place, thinking others should not be allowed in our spot. Or thinking that we deserve a better seat. After all, haven’t we earned it?
Yet our achievements can blind us to our unworthiness, turning a good thing into something evil. We let other people’s achievements intimidate us. We can feel threatened, trying even harder to hold onto our rightful place. But the truth is we are not more worthy than the others around us. Instead, we should be reminded that the success of others does not hurt our own standing. From Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Instead of focusing on our own accomplishments, we should look to serve, being secure in the knowledge that through Christ we are all welcome at the table. Everyone has a place, and no amount of achievement or boasting can put you there. It is through Christ alone, who defeated death on the cross, that we each have a place at the table.
The cross—the place they gathered around. To mock. To mourn. To watch our Savior die. The cross was a powerful thing. The cross was sturdy, built to kill. Made from wood, the cross was strong, built for a purpose. But God had an even bigger plan. Amongst our boasting and bickering, he sent us a person. He sent Jesus.
We all want a place at the table. And through Christ, our place is secured.
Dear Lord, thank you for granting me a place at the table, even on those days when my achievements fall short. Help me to remain humble, choosing to lift others up. In your name we pray, Amen.
Sending
In the face of evil, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.