recline

“One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at the table at Jesus' side,”
John 13:25

Here is a reminder - we do not have to be the ‘perfect disciple’ to feel that we belong in this intimate space with Him.

In the simplicity of this verse, what calls my attention is the comfort, ease, and transparency this disciple (who we know to be John) felt with Jesus. At the supper table, Jesus is telling the disciples heavy news (Matthew 9), that one of the disciples is going to betray Him, but John feels so comfortable with Jesus that he simply asks the question of who, all while still leaning against his teacher, his friend, with an ease.  

It seems simple, but I want to feel so comfortable with my Jesus that I can lean against Him while I ask hard questions; that I’m so at ease in the care of His chest that I simply turn my gaze toward His face and ask whatever is on my mind, knowing that He holds space for me there. 

From scripture, and from the character of Jesus, we know He feels this ease when resting at the table with us, unbothered by what is happening around. Matthew 9:10 tells us that “as Jesus reclined at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus.” Here is a reminder - we do not have to be the ‘perfect disciple’ to feel that we belong in this intimate space with Him. Here is Jesus comfortably sitting with the tax collectors and the sinners; with us. The Message translation writes John 13:25 as, “one of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against Him, his head on His shoulder.” Could we be followers, friends, of Jesus who know our place in His love, that we can rest against Him, feel His heartbeat for us, and ask Him our questions. 

With love,
Bailey Williams

additional reading:

Psalm 17:6-8 | Isaiah 54:10 | Romans 8:31-32

centering prayer:

Jesus, we love you and we thank you for your love for us. Thank you for being patient, kind, and gentle with us. We pray for greater revelation of your Love, a fuller awareness of the intimacy we can have with you when we lean into your love. We pray that we can draw near to you at the table and incline our head toward you, as you incline your ear toward us. amen.