Here is Intern Lori's Sermon
Mark 14:10-25
Have you ever had a discussion when a person shares
something and you think to yourself, “If you only knew!? They maybe mention
something about their childhood and suddenly our childhood nightmares return
and we say to ourselves, “ IF you only knew.” Again and again similar things
like this. When this happens. Our full body is impacted. Tense up. We put on
our mask and pretend to smile thinking if you only knew what I said, what I
did, you wouldn’t even be talking to me. If you only new!
We all carry scars whether physical or emotional. We carry it. What is it for
you? Perhaps a failed marriage? Addiction struggle? Strained relationship with
someone?
Still for others, relationships have changed, children have grown, jobs have been lost, and those who were once close have now died. We’re all hiding some pain and thinking “if you only knew”
We’re in a series called Places of Passion. Today, on Maundy Thursday we walk with Jesus to upper room. Coming to the Upper Room we come into presence of Jesus.
Now I got good news and bad news for you. The bad news? Jesus knows. Jesus
knows everything.
What’s the good news then? Jesus knows what’s going to happen and YET he still
prepares a place for us at the table. How amazing is that?
Jesus knew about Judas. At the last supper Jesus reveals that enemy isn’t only
“out there” but rather the enemy is also right here in this room.
As they were eating, Jesus shared one of you will betray me. Jesus knew about Judas yet Judas still has a place at the table.
That is what is so incredible and amazing about the Last Supper. In the midst
of all that is wrong and weak and evil and ugly and selfish there remains this
truth. They all had a place at this table. Even Judas. Even Peter who denied
Jesus three times.
Here’s my point. What may look ordinary can be completely extraordinary. The
Lord’s supper is like that. When Christ’s words with giving of the bread where he broke it and said to
them “Take, this is my body.” Then he took a cup and after giving thanks he gave
it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood
of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never
again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the
Kingdom of God.”
Wow! Not what we expect. It’s so much more. What may look ordinary can become completely extraordinary.
What is so extraordinary? At this table, Jesus delivers his body and blood for
forgiveness-for you, for all your sin, for all your sin for all time.
We celebrate Holy Communion until Christ comes again and makes all things new
in his Father’s kingdom. Then we will celebrate in the marriage feast of the
Lamb in his kingdom that will have no end!
Until then, though, you and I have a place at the table at the communion table
why? Because all things are not yet new. Memories still haunt us. People still hurt us. Sin still clings to us. Satan still harasses
us. If you only knew.
When it comes to the Lord’s Supper, how many are in your party? Do you know?
Two. Holy Communion is a table for two. Martin Luther writes, “This is
something more than the sermon; for although the same thing is present in the
sermon as it is in the sacrament, here there is the advantage that is directed
at definite individuals.”
Jesus invites definite individuals-my friends, that is us, to his table with wounded hands. With his wounds, he reminds us that he knows. Christ’s scars are the marks of a God who truly knows us-our suffering, our sin, and our deep pain. But these scars are on the hands of our risen savior. He not only knows, he conquers, he triumphs. Jesus is victor over every enemy.
Jesus knows us. But Jesus knows us in love. After all, there is a place for you at this table all the days of your life. Amen
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