City South Presbyterian

Doug Green on Psalm 2.

We're wrapping up Luke's story of the Gospel — not with the resurrection but with the ascension and pentecost — because the Gospel is the good news about Jesus as the risen and ascended king who brings forgiveness of sin and pours out God's Spirit to end humanity's exile from God by giving us his life forever.

Jesus fulfills the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets in his death and resurrection. He is recognised 'at the Table' in the breaking of bread — but his victory over death and launch of the heavenly banquet comes in a surprising shape.

Jesus shares a meal with his disciples — even as they become his enemies — and stays at the table in order to make them his family.

Jesus turns the tables on the political, economic and religious systems of his day as he invites people to have their own hearts and tables turned to his kingdom.

In the famous story of the parable of the two lost sons, Jesus invites us to consider how the table of the heavenly feast shapes where we look for life, satisfaction, and a party in this life.

Jesus is scrutinised at a public banquet of a Pharisee, he turns the tables and suggests the people of his kingdom — the blessed ones who have a space at the table of the Kingdom of heaven — will make space at their tables for those excluded by the world.

A pharisee has issues with Jesus not washing his hands; but Jesus takes issue with the Pharisee's dirty heart.

In one of two scenes in the Gospel where Jesus hosts a meal, he prays and breaks bread to feed thousands in the wilderness. This is enough for Peter to recognise him as Messiah and king. This story is a central picture of the Kingdom of God, where the hungry are being filled.

Jesus heads to the table of a pharisee, and is welcomed by a sinful woman who he welcomes to his table.

Jesus calls those who were once oppressed and oppressors in the kingdom of this world into life at his table, and invites everyone to repent and find life with him.

In the Temptation of Jesus and his announcement of Jubilee in Nazareth we see two tables emerging; we can use our hunger to direct us towards God's Jubilee feast; life in the kingdom of Jesus or grab hold of 'bread alone' and satisfy ourselves with the table offered by the tempter.

The Table in Luke's Gospel is where God's kingdom — where the proud are humbled and the hungry are filled with good things — is enacted.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the third week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Ryan.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the second week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Robyn.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the second week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Robyn. Note: Nathan made an error in his answer; the Greek word from which we get liturgy is leitourgia not latreo (though these words are synonyms for priestly service in a temple).

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the second week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Robyn.

In January we have Q&A panels tackle questions from our church family — especially from kids. Our panel for the second week of questions features Nathan,  Kamina, and Robyn. Note — there are dogs throughout the Bible, the panel assumed the question, from a kid in our church family, was about domesticated pets.