Date: July 26, 2026
Suggested Reading: Exodus 24:1–11
Text: Matthew 26:26–28
“Take, eat; this is My body… Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
The Lord Has Prepared the Table
Most of us have experienced arriving at someone’s home for a special meal. The table is already set. The food is prepared. The host has been busy long before we arrived. We simply receive the invitation and take our place at the table.
God works much the same way. When Israel gathered at Mount Sinai, the people did not first prove themselves worthy of eating in God’s presence. God rescued them from Egypt, taught them His Word, established His covenant, and then welcomed them to the covenant meal. The Lord prepared His people before He fed them.
We often think we must do the opposite. We tell ourselves we need to have a better week, conquer a particular sin, or become more worthy before coming to Christ. Our guilty consciences whisper that perhaps we should stay away until we have improved ourselves. That is the voice of the Law, exposing the truth that we are never worthy on our own.
The Gospel speaks an even greater truth. Jesus has already done everything necessary. By His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave, He established the New Covenant in His own Blood. In the Lord’s Supper He does not reward the worthy, He forgives repentant sinners. He serves us with His own Body and Blood, given and shed for us for the forgiveness of sins.
We do not come because we are good enough. We come because Jesus has invited us. His table is prepared. His promises are certain. His forgiveness is freely given.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us to Your table and serving us with Your forgiveness, life, and salvation. Grant us repentant hearts and confident faith, trusting always in Your gracious promises. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Jesus does not wait for us to become worthy before inviting us. He makes us His own and welcomes us to His table with the words, ‘Given and shed for you.’
H ymn: LSB 628 — Your Table I Approach
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