day 26: Jesus and the apostles

Day 26: Jesus and the Apostles

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:14-23

It is striking that Jesus does not begin with sending. He begins with a meal. On the night before the cross, knowing all that would unfold, Jesus gathers His disciples around the table. He breaks bread. He pours the cup. He speaks of His body and His blood. This is not just a ritual moment; it is a deeply personal act of giving Himself to them. And yet, sitting at that same table is betrayal. Not outside the room. Not at a distance. But present. Jesus knows. And still, He gives. This is where our understanding of ministry must be reshaped.

We often think of calling in terms of action what we must do, where we must go, how we must lead. But in this passage, Jesus shows us that before any mission, there is communion. Before any sending, there is receiving. The apostles are not ready. They will soon scatter. One will betray. Another will deny. All will falter. And still, Jesus offers Himself without hesitation. “This is my body, given for you.” This means that our identity as servants of Christ does not begin with our faithfulness, but with His. It does not begin with our strength, but with His sacrifice. We are, first and foremost, those who have been invited to the table. And that changes how we lead. We do not lead as those who have it all together, but as those who have been held together by grace.

Every time we come back to the table whether in sacrament or in quiet remembrance we are reminded again: we are not the Savior. We are the ones being saved. And only then are we sent. Sent not to impress, but to serve. Sent not to control, but to give. Sent not to build our kingdom, but to embody His cross. So, before we go out again into the demands of ministry and service, we must return to this place. The table. Because it is there that we are formed, as grateful recipients of a grace we did not earn. And by that grace alone, we are sent. Go and serve in peace!

Prayer:

Lord, as I reflect on the Lord’s supper, help me to understand that you gave yourself for us. The gift that you have given was not only for the worthy and worthwhile, but it was offered freely to everyone, even the one you knew would betray you. Help me to live out that self-giving love unconditionally, offering it freely even to those who have hurt me, just as you did.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church