5 November, 2024

The Most Honored Seat at the Table

by | 1 August, 2022 | 0 comments

By TonyaAnn Pember  

We celebrate Communion to commemorate the last night Christ spent on earth. His last meal with his disciples is known as the Last Supper. Leonardo DaVinci’s famous painting of this event is a misrepresentation. The actual seating arrangement of the night of Christ’s betrayal was very intentional. 

According to the Authentic Last Supper Exhibit at the Liberty Biblical Museum, in Jesus’ time, the upper room of a home held a U-shaped table that allowed servants to serve from the middle. The low table had no chairs, only large pillows. Each diner reclined on their left side, head toward the table, legs stretched out, and ate with their right hand. This position allowed the lowest servant to easily wash guests’ feet.  

As host, Jesus would have reclined in the second spot on the left. Tradition and custom required this. The first and third positions were for honored guests. Others sat around the U in order of their importance. The least honored guest would be at the end of the U on the right side. While this seat would be across from the host, it was several yards away. This seat was nearest the basin used for foot washing and a servant would be between the host and the guest.  

John 13:23 says John was “reclining next to” Jesus. For him to be “leaning back against Jesus” (v. 25) he would have been sitting at Jesus’ right, the first seat of the table. This same passage indicates that Peter “motioned” for John to inquire of Jesus. Peter had to be sitting far enough away that it might be awkward for him to shout the question, yet close enough to get John’s attention. Scholars believe Peter was sitting across the table in the least important seat. 

The most honored seat for the most respected guest was to Jesus’ immediate left. On this night, Judas sat in that honored position. Judas. All four Gospel writers confirm the presence of a traitor sharing the bowl with Jesus.  

Jesus knew Judas was the betrayer; he said as much at dinner. And yet, Judas was in the most honored seat. Perhaps Judas elbowed his way to that place, but it is likely our Savior seated Judas next to him. Jesus offered Judas every chance he needed to make a different choice. No greater love. 

TonyaAnn Pember is a freelance writer living in Elizabeth, Colorado. She is a retired teacher and National Writing Project fellow.  Her first book, Inside Story: 52 Weeks in the Word, was published in August 2021. 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 10 Study | I Pledge Allegiance

God’s people should be crystal clear about their allegiance. They play to an audience of one. So they must be very careful of other allegiances. For the believers in the seven churches, that meant coming out from the pagan influences of the culture.

November 10 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10), by Mark Scott.

Rescued

Each of us is an individual Titanic. We may, in our pride and self-sufficiency, think that we are uniquely grand and unsinkable. But each of us has already struck the iceberg of sin. It’s only a matter of time. But wait. God has provided a lifeboat for anyone who wants to be rescued.

Reasons to Be Grateful

Let’s honor God in this season as we give thanks for our blessings, as we celebrate our salvation, and as we take the gospel to the world.

Follow Us