What actions can ensure we truly "ate and drank" with Jesus spiritually? Setting the Scene Luke 13:26 records people pleading, “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’” Yet Jesus rejects them because their participation was merely outward. To “eat and drink” with Him in a way that satisfies now and forever means receiving Him by faith, abiding in Him daily, and letting His life shape ours. Recognize the True Feast • John 6:35: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.’” • The spiritual meal is Christ Himself—embracing His person, work, and words as the source of life. • Intellectual agreement or casual association is not enough; believing means staking our entire trust on Him. Repent and Believe the Gospel • Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” • Genuine repentance is a Spirit‐empowered change of mind and direction, evidenced by turning from sin and turning toward Christ. • Saving faith unites us to Jesus; without it, any outward “eating and drinking” is empty ritual. Abide in His Word • John 15:4: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” • Regular, humble intake of Scripture keeps us at the table with Jesus. • Let His commands reshape attitudes, speech, and daily choices. Partake Worthily of the Lord’s Supper • 1 Corinthians 11:26: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” • Examine oneself (1 Corinthians 11:28) to confess sin, renew devotion, and remember His sacrifice. • The ordinance is a tangible reminder that we live by grace received at the cross. Live in Ongoing Communion Through Prayer • Hebrews 4:16 calls believers to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • Conversational, persistent prayer keeps fellowship vibrant, aligning desires with His will. Walk in Obedience and Love • John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” • Obedience proves our union with Christ is real, not superficial. • Love for other believers (1 John 3:14) demonstrates we are nourished by His life. Stay Devoted to the Body of Christ • Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” • Faithful gathering, mutual encouragement, and service guard against the self‐deception Jesus exposed in Luke 13. Persevere to the End • Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” • Lifelong perseverance—continual hearing, opening, and welcoming Christ—confirms that our spiritual feasting is genuine. Putting It All Together True “eating and drinking” with Jesus involves: • Repenting and believing the gospel • Abiding in His Word and prayer • Participating thoughtfully in the Lord’s Supper • Walking in loving obedience • Remaining committed to the fellowship of believers • Persevering in these practices until we sit with Him at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Such actions flow from a heart transformed by grace and guarantee that, unlike those in Luke 13:26, we will never hear, “I do not know where you are from.” |
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