1. “Reclining With Jesus”
John 13:23

2. “Reclining With Jesus at the Table

3. 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

4. Course #1 - Love and Mercy = Rest
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world” Unconditional love
Mercy – formerly condemnation, but a reprieve
Romans 5:1 – peace with God
Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto Me”
The table offers rest for the insecure/unwanted soul.

5. 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 selves Sin has powerful consequences

6. 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”

7. Course #3 – Hope and Holiness
If God’s Son: * loves us to die for us; * was buried, then raised from the dead
Then 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!

8. 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 bondage
Peter, James, John “transfiguration” Matt. 17
Saul/Paul – Acts 9 – apostle to the Gentiles!

9. 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”

10. 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