By William Baker
The original Supper of the Lord took place at a table (Luke 22:21, 30). Devoted disciples ate with Jesus at this Passover meal. One, however, left before the meal was over.
Judas ate the wine-soaked bread Jesus offered him but immediately left to do his dirty deed of informing on Jesus to the temple authorities (John 13:26-30). His pact to help them capture Jesus out of the public eye would be honored that night (Luke 22:1-6). In a few hours, Judas would lead the guard to Jesus and betray him with a kiss of death.
Jesus knew of Judas”s treachery. He knew Judas had given himself over to carry out the will of Satan. Jesus also made sure Judas knew he knew; when Jesus gave Judas the bread, with a knowing stare, he also said, “What you are about to do, do quickly” (John 13:27).
Judas”s departure from the table set the wheels in motion for Jesus” arrest, trial, and death. But it also removed someone with divided loyalties from being present at the table with the rest. The enemy was gone. Those remaining were utterly devoted to Jesus.
In our homes today, our table is a place for the gathering of family and friends. As we share meals, we share our love and support for one another. But when someone who normally shares around our table has become filled with hatred for the family or someone in the family, he can quickly ruin the meal. His very presence at a gathering of loved ones seems out of place.
So it is with our gathering around the table of the Lord. Jesus doesn”t want people here who are not 100 percent devoted to his ideals, his cause, and his people. Judas was asked to leave. Paul warns believers that they “cannot have a part in both the Lord”s table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). He also warns believers against sharing in the bread and cup in an unacceptable manner (1 Corinthians 11:27).
If you are uncertain of your loyalty to Jesus, let the cup pass. If you have an unresolved conflict with another person in this congregation, let the bread pass. Partake heartily, as family members, true to Christ and one another.
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William R. Baker is professor of New Testament at Hope International University, Fullerton, California, and editor of the Stone-Campbell Journal.
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