By: Juliet Constantine
And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, (John 13:2)
We were camping, in the cool hills of Manchester, Jamaica, an annual Easter activity of the Pathfinders from my local congregation. The week’s activities, though intense and filled with training regiments, were a welcomed break; and these inner-city kids looked forward to it with eager anticipation – it’s as if they were going on a grand vacation. Many didn’t mind the activities since they would be properly fed with three meals per day – something many weren’t accustomed to having because of their parents’ (or lack thereof) financially depressed condition. Corporate sponsorships helped to make this time a reality. And yes, the food was great encouragement as the chosen cooks from the parent body always deliver. With breakfast, lunch and supper – the kids’ stomachs never got a chance to be empty. And even though they may still feel full for the evening meal, supper time was always welcomed as the light meal was never refused. The kids eagerly responded to the whistle command for supper time.
Yes, I believe supper time is a welcomed activity in most cultures; and it seemed to be so in Jesus’. He often enjoyed supper with His disciples. In fact, He was the server - He handed the food to His disciples. Such was the case when He sat with them for what turned out to be the last Passover Supper. His disciples didn’t know it; they were too self-centered to realize that deep meaning of His words. So much was happening with them all; but history only records what was happening in Judas’ thoughts as it served as the base for all that later transpired. Judas just ate with His Master, yet he harbored thoughts of betraying Jesus to His enemies. Judas ate and laughed with the team, but it was only a false pretense. Deep down in his heart, he was thinking of pulling off the act of all time, and in the process, filling his pockets with filthy lucre. Judas ate with them but his heart was not with them. Not everyone who eats and drinks with you is with you. Jesus knew this, but He didn’t let it disrupt His plans for supper. He would eat the last supper with His friends and nothing or no one could change that; because the next time He sit down for supper would be in Heaven.
Just as how Jesus invited His disciples to dine with Him at supper-time, His invitation is open to you and me too. He is calling us to “Come on home, its supper-time in Heaven.” How will you respond? Many had, and others continue to scorn His invitation as told in the parable recorded in Luke 14:16-24; but still, the invitation remains open for many: it’s suppertime, come on home.
My favorite Christian Author noted that: “This parable correctly represents the condition of many professing to believe the present truth. The Lord has sent them an invitation to come to the supper which He has prepared for them at great cost to Himself, but worldly interests look to them of greater importance than the heavenly treasure. They are invited to take part in the things of eternal value, but their farms, their cattle, and their home interest, seem of so much greater importance than obedience to the heavenly invitation …” (EGW FH pg 103)
Is it the same for you? Judas was at the last supper on Earth but he will be absent from the call for supper time in Heaven. Have you RSVP to the invitation? Will you be present for suppertime in Heaven?
Holy Father, thank You for the invite to supper with You and Jesus. We gladly accept and look forward to the day to dine with You all. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
