What a wonderful post! Diana, you write, "Indeed, some have suggested that Jesus primary work was organizing suppers as a way to embody the coming kingdom of God." Can you point us to who these "some" might be, or perhaps to a book or article that goes deeper into this?
This ex-evangelical has, until ten years ago, only heard sermons on the cross, how I should feel guilt and am not deserving of love. But Diana, you, like Jesus, have "flipped the tables" showing us the true significance is our invitation to join the party, the celebration, not hang out at the scene of the execution.
I wonder, should be start wearing necklaces with round tables rather than crosses?? Thank you for listening to the Spirit and receiving these liberating insights.
So moving. I love the idea of suppers as Jesus’ way of depicting the Kingdom. It also reminds us that He is the only one that can offer us a chair. Holy Week will always revive the bones and feed the Spirit of believers! Just love it so much. Thank you!
Yes sitting at table a way of life to heal, share and to face what is to come and what is going on in our world today. Thank you for reposting and reminding. Happy Maundy Thursday, Easter.
I love this so much, Diana. I always looked at Good Friday through the parable of the seed which dies into new greening. It helped to make Good Friday somewhat bearable. Also JS Bach's Passion helps. His musical lamentation invites the mourning heart almost into a dance. And now your beautiful description of that shared meal:
"What if Maundy Thursday was that? The Last Supper of the Old World. The last meal under Rome, the last meal under any empire. And it is the First Feast of the Kingdom That Has Come..."
Although I've often taught on the parable of the seeds and the ground they fell on determining if/how and how long they lived and our acceptance of faith, I've never thought to connect the seed dying and greening with new life with the dying of Christ and His rebirth. thank you, Almut! Happy Easter
Lynn, that is wonderful to hear. Glad it connected. I am a Kierkegaard scholar. He talks much about “dying away” in reference to that little seed. I find it such a hopeful picture.
Reading your column, I thought of the fact that after worship services on Easter, for us there is always a gathering around a table with dear friends, a time of laughter and food and love.
What a wonderful post! Diana, you write, "Indeed, some have suggested that Jesus primary work was organizing suppers as a way to embody the coming kingdom of God." Can you point us to who these "some" might be, or perhaps to a book or article that goes deeper into this?
I didn't get to this until today (Tuesday 2nd April in NZ). Oh my - a definite Aha! moment for me.
WOW!!!
This ex-evangelical has, until ten years ago, only heard sermons on the cross, how I should feel guilt and am not deserving of love. But Diana, you, like Jesus, have "flipped the tables" showing us the true significance is our invitation to join the party, the celebration, not hang out at the scene of the execution.
I wonder, should be start wearing necklaces with round tables rather than crosses?? Thank you for listening to the Spirit and receiving these liberating insights.
So moving. I love the idea of suppers as Jesus’ way of depicting the Kingdom. It also reminds us that He is the only one that can offer us a chair. Holy Week will always revive the bones and feed the Spirit of believers! Just love it so much. Thank you!
Dear Diana, how does this impact your understanding of Good Friday?
Yes sitting at table a way of life to heal, share and to face what is to come and what is going on in our world today. Thank you for reposting and reminding. Happy Maundy Thursday, Easter.
I loved this.
Last day of dominion and first day of freedom. A new lease on life this Holy Thursday as we share communion with across the world. Thank you.
Blessings to you for showing me the the true HEART of Jesus to carry in my heart! He meets us at the table…
“This table is the hinge of history. The table is the point. Thursday is the Last Supper and the First Feast. The Holy Thursday Revolution.”
Blessings to you all! Thanks for meeting me at this beautiful table in The Cottage…
Well said! ❤️🙏. Thanks🙏❤️
Thank you, Diana. You have shifted my thinking for this Maundy Thursday.
With the Table as the point. ALL are welcome at the Table!
Thank you. Outstanding. Yes.
I love this so much, Diana. I always looked at Good Friday through the parable of the seed which dies into new greening. It helped to make Good Friday somewhat bearable. Also JS Bach's Passion helps. His musical lamentation invites the mourning heart almost into a dance. And now your beautiful description of that shared meal:
"What if Maundy Thursday was that? The Last Supper of the Old World. The last meal under Rome, the last meal under any empire. And it is the First Feast of the Kingdom That Has Come..."
I so long for such a supper!
Although I've often taught on the parable of the seeds and the ground they fell on determining if/how and how long they lived and our acceptance of faith, I've never thought to connect the seed dying and greening with new life with the dying of Christ and His rebirth. thank you, Almut! Happy Easter
Lynn, that is wonderful to hear. Glad it connected. I am a Kierkegaard scholar. He talks much about “dying away” in reference to that little seed. I find it such a hopeful picture.
Reading your column, I thought of the fact that after worship services on Easter, for us there is always a gathering around a table with dear friends, a time of laughter and food and love.