Sitting at the Cool Table

“By this time, a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, ‘He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.’” – Luke 15:1-2

Here’s the scene.  The respectable people walk into the dining room and seat themselves around a table of their choice.  This is the table where the wealthy Pharisees and studious scholars will cleverly discuss some of the deep concepts of the Jewish rules.  They smile, enjoying their company of other well-dressed and well-spoken men. They saved a spot for Jesus, as they anticipated a good discussion, and they were prepared with the most complex of questions for this popular man who may or may not be the Messiah.

A rumpled young man came in.  He was seen getting arrested yesterday and had probably slept in those clothes.  He looked at another table, empty.  Not wanting to sit alone, he approached the men.  One of them motioned toward the empty table, telling the young man that he could sit at the other table since they were expecting someone else.

Then a notorious tax-collecting embezzler entered in fine clothing.  He looked at the rumpled man sitting alone, then looked at the other men and easily decided to sit with the other rich folks at the cool table.  They shook their heads at him and pointed toward the other table.  He found a place at the near empty table far from the young man with wrinkled clothes.

Jesus showed up next.  He first noticed the table with two men sitting.  A broad smile spread across His face as He moved toward them.  The cool guys loudly called His name, waving Him to come to their table.  Jesus gave them that happy smile, motioning a “thank you” with his hands, then pointing at the other table, turned to the other two men and thanked them for being there as He seated Himself between them.

Right behind Him came that woman who was nearly stoned to death at the temple.  She saw Jesus, smiled shyly and sat across from Him.  Then that infamous woman who traded sex for money.  Then another thief, whom Jesus had invited earlier.  After that it was the man often seen in town who feebly tries to look like a woman.  Then those fishermen who had not taken the time to change their fishy clothing.

They were all welcomed to Jesus’ table.  Some entered awkwardly, not knowing how to act until Jesus would greet them with a hearty “Come and dine!”  They each answered with a smile, approaching the table as if they belonged there.

This was the cool table, where everyone could relax.  They listened to the loving, caring, gracious words of this Man who made them feel more secure than they had ever felt in their lives.  At the cool table, they connected with God.  They cried as their hearts opened up to being loved.  They laughed as the humor of this cool Man made them feel as light as a feather.  Tonight, at the cool table, all was well.  God was real.  They were loved, and the kingdom of Heaven was home.

All it takes for any of us to sit at the cool table, is for Jesus to be there.  We can feast at this table all of the time.

Do you hear the grumbling from that other table?  It means nothing.  The only opinion that matters is the Lord’s opinion, and He is especially fond of you.