The Tale of Two Tables

“As he walked along, Jesus saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.”  Mark 2:14

That morning, like every other morning, Matthew (a.k.a. Levi) sat down at the table—the greed table.  

He was a tax collector, and in those days being a tax collector was a lot like being in the mafia in modern times—you didn’t go into the business unless you were willing to be bad.  Tax collectors made sure Rome received their due, but the surcharge for services went straight to their own padded pockets.  Tax collectors were looked upon by fellow Jews as traitors and thieves, or, at best, dirty, rotten scoundrels, so when Jesus walked by with the summons to be a disciple, no one was more surprised than Matthew himself.  But he didn’t hesitate.  “‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him” (Mk 2:14).  

That night, different than every other night, Matthew sat down at the table—the grace table.  For once, he wasn’t looking for what he could get but what he could give—special honor and a special meal to the man who had given him the chance for a change.  The dinner was crowded, for God’s grace had called more than just Matthew to this marvelous new life. “While Jesus was having dinner Levi’s house, many tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him”(Mk 2:15).

The prideful Pharisees watching through the windows were appalled for they would never have been seen socializing with someone they considered a sinner, but Jesus shut them up with the truth that only those who know they have needs will ever find them met, and the celebration continued at the table continued on.

At some time or another (or several times and others) we find ourselves like Matthew—sitting at the table of greed, breaking boundaries so we can pad the pockets of our own affirmation, security, or supposed significance.  And then Jesus comes by (as He always does) and instead of writing us up or writing us off, He calls us to get up and follow close, to realize that what we really need is not what we can get from others but what only He can give:  forgiveness, freedom, and the continued covenant of His presence.  Such mercy overwhelms us, and we celebrate at another table—the table of grace.

Sadly, a few will always be found looking down their noses, pointing their fingers at our failures, and doubting that God’s grace is really great another to give us yet another chance.  What a sad place to be—not knowing the delight of being saved securely, forgiven infinitely, and loved unconditionally.  Don’t become like them by pointing at them; scoot over and invite them to sit down.

As each day dawns, we must decide.  Will we sit at the table of greed getting every thing we can any way we can, or will be spend our moments at the table of grace reveling in God’s goodness and enjoying His presence?

It can be the best of time or it can be the worst of times.

Your choice of table will tell the tale.