“Reclining With Jesus” John 13:23

“Reclining With Jesus at the Table

Consider What’s Being Served:Four Course Meal!

Love and mercy – gracious amounts mixed well

Forgiveness and Cleansing – copious amounts!

Hope and Holiness – simmered on low to tenderize – (Philippians 4:13)

A call to follow = a clear call to turn, serve Him Luke 13:3, 2 Corinthians 5:15

Course #1 - Love and Mercy = RestJohn 3:16 – “For God so loved the world” Unconditional loveMercy – formerly condemnation, but a reprieveRomans 5:1 – peace with God

Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto Me”

The table offers rest for the insecure/unwanted soul.

Course #2 – Forgiveness and Cleansing = Rest

The heavy burden of guilt, shame, sorrow is crushing! Regrets over past deeds and words spoken

From the beginning, Genesis 3,Adam and Eve – hid from God, one another, and their own selvesSin has powerful consequences

Jesus Blesses With Spiritual Rest

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” (Romans 8:1)

1 John 1:7 – “if we walk in the light … the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin!”

John 16:8 – the Spirit works to “convict of sin, judgment, righteousness”

Course #3 – Hope and HolinessIf God’s Son:* loves us to die for us;* was buried, then raised from the deadThen God can do anything in our world; and“I can do all things through Christ” (Phil 4:13). THAT INCLUDES HOLINESS! Jesus living in and through us!

How Holiness and Hope Are Related

Holiness / God’s character / burns away “chaff” in our character; “we lay aside the sin that so easily entangles us and run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Result: HOPE! Realizing God’s work in us!Examples: Moses – Exodus 3 – leads people from bondagePeter, James, John “transfiguration” Matt. 17Saul/Paul – Acts 9 – apostle to the Gentiles!

Course #4 - The Table Serves a Clear Call to Turn and Serve Him!

Matthew 22 – “love God will all heart soul mind strength” – every ounce that you have!

Cross and resurrection incites praise and adoration (John 12:32)!

Romans 2:4 – “the kindness of God leads to repentance”

2 Corinthians 5:15 – “no longer live for themselves”

Communion – His Call To Come Aside and Rest

Mark 6:31 – “Come away… and rest a while…”* Love / mercy* Forgiveness/ Cleansing* Hope / holiness* Call to turn/ serve Him