Easter is a time of celebration. A time when families and friends gather around tables, share meals, and reflect on the hope we have in Jesus. But beyond chocolate eggs and long weekends, Easter carries an invitation for all of us to take a seat at Jesus’ table.
In his Easter message, A Seat at the Table, Pastor Jason Elsmore from Gateway Baptist Church reminds us that through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made a way for everyone, no matter their past, to receive forgiveness, grace, and eternal life. The good news of Easter is that the seat He offers is free, finished, and forever. The question is: will you accept His invitation?
An Invitation for All
Throughout history, meals have been a place of connection and celebration. Jesus himself often sat at tables with people from all walks of life. “One of the things that Jesus kept getting in trouble for,” Jason says, “was welcoming sinners and tax collectors to sit at his table and eat with him.”
In Luke 15, the religious leaders were offended that Jesus invited those they deemed unworthy. But Jesus’ message was clear: Everyone is welcome. That includes the outcasts, the broken, and those who feel unworthy.
“If you’re thinking, ‘Well, I know I’m a sinner,’ then there is good news for you,” Jason says. “There’s a seat at Jesus’ table for you.”
A Seat Paid in Full
We often think we need to earn our place with God, but Easter reminds us that Jesus already paid the price. On the cross, He declared, It is finished. This wasn’t just a statement of His suffering ending. It was a declaration that our debt was paid in full.
“The wages of sin is death,” Jason says, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” Just like a gift, salvation is free to us, though it came at a great cost. Jesus’ life.
A Forever Seat
Unlike temporary chairs we bring out for special occasions, the seat Jesus offers is eternal. “We’re invited to take a forever seat,” Jason says. “A seat that will last for all eternity.”
Revelation 19 gives us a glimpse of the future. A great banquet where those who have put their faith in Christ will celebrate with Him forever. This is the hope of Easter: not just life after death, but abundant, eternal life with Jesus.
Will You Take Your Seat?
“If you’ve been resistant to the Gospel, or you’ve been settling for less, there’s a seat for you,” Jason says. “It’s free, it’s finished, and it’s forever.”
This Easter, Jesus is inviting you to take your place at His table. Will you say yes?
Watch Jason’s full message below:
