DINING WITH JESUS (Mark 2:13-17 etc.)

Expository, Gospels, Mark, New Testament, Topical

MARK 2:13-17 etc. – DINING WITH JESUS

I have had thousands of meals in my lifetime. Only a few stick out in my mind:

  • A first date dinner with Dottie (My wonderful wife for almost 50 years!) at the Pub in Camden NJ.
  • A rehearsal dinner sponsored by my parents at the P&B Diner in Glassboro NJ.
  • A dinner at a restaurant in Maryland the night of our wedding. “Steak for Two”.
  • Eating meals on a cruise I’d won, including us sitting at the captain’s table.
  • Celebrating 25 years of marriage with family and friends after attending our son, Mark’s, wedding.

What did all these meals have in common? Dottie was there! That made it special. In fact, I can only think of one person other than Dottie that I’d rather have a meal with. That’s the Lord Jesus Christ! It’s not the food, but it’s the fellowship that is the major feature of dining with Jesus.

In a sense, dining with Jesus has, can, should and take place in our lives. Let’s look at four instances that dining with Jesus takes place. 

CONFRONTATION – Mark 2:13-17

  • 14 – Matthew was a tax collector. He was called to be an apostle. Not a popular person.
  • 15 – Instead of saying to Matthew, “Change your friends.”, he wanted Matthew to introduce Him to his friends. Many of Matthew’s friends came to Jesus.
  • 16-17 – Jesus didn’t come to confront “righteous” people. He came to save those who know they are sinners. Gospel.
  • Every person needs to be confronted by Jesus and accept Him as Savior.

COMMUNICATION – Mark 14:22-26, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

  • Mark 14:22-26 – Jesus establishes the Lord’s Supper. Here he communicates its significance.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:23-36 – More details.
  • 23-25 – When we partake, our Lord communicates a reminder of what He has done for us.
  • 26 – When we partake we communicate our faith in Christ to others. We are preaching our greatest sermon.
  • 27-29 – Requires serious reflection before partaking.

CONNECTION – Revelation 3:15-20

  • 15-19 – A “Lukewarm” Church that’s told to repent!
  • 20 – I take this is an invitation to the unsaved but applies to the saved as well.
  • If you are saved Jesus wants you to connect with you in fellowship! John 15:4-7

CELEBRATION – Revelation 19:6-9

  • We are the Bride of Christ.
  • The Marriage Feast of the Lamb evidently is held at the beginning of the Millennium. A time of great celebration.