A Place at the Table

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” (Luke 24:28-34 ESV).

In the upper room, Jesus instituted what we call "The Lord’s Supper," breaking bread with His disciples. From there He walked to Gethsemane to pray, where He was arrested. Before the next day was over, He was dead, and His disillusioned disciples had deserted Him (cf. Matthew 26:56). In today’s verses we see that later, two of His followers met Him while walking to Emmaus, and they talked with Him without knowing who He was. They ate together and enjoyed fellowship with Him. And when He broke the bread, they recognized Him.

Pastor Todd Johnson told about a girl named Felicia, who described herself as a prodigal daughter of caring, loving parents. She had done some pretty bad things, and she continued to walk in disobedience. Ashamed, she broke all relationships with her family. She didn’t see how they could possibly love her after the things she had done.
Then they reached out to her. They called to invite her to move back home. After a struggle, she consented. When she walked through the doorway, everything seemed awkward to her. She didn’t think it would work; she just didn’t feel at home. Then it came time for dinner. As she entered the kitchen for the evening meal, there was her place at the table, set just as it had been through all the years she was growing up. When she saw her place at the table, her discomfort lifted. Before the meal ended, she felt that she was again part of the family.

Jesus’ followers had felt abandoned. Their Leader was gone. Then they invited the "Stranger" to dinner. But there at "the table," when they ate with Him, they knew it was Jesus. He had not left them; in fact, He promised that He would always be with His followers. And He has kept His word. If you have walked away from Jesus, come back to Him now. The table is set with His love and forgiveness. He is waiting to "break bread" with you. As soon as you return to Him, you’ll feel right at home. Like the Prodigal Son, you will find that when you come home you will be welcomed with open arms into a celebration. No matter how great the distance was between you, He is now as close as your thoughts. Turn to Him now and know His presence within you. Your place at the table is set waiting for you to be seated!