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Mt. Zion Church
Gather Around the Table - Make a Reservation
In John 17:22–23, Jesus prays for a unity rooted not in effort or imitation, but in shared life with Him—so that the world may see the Father’s love revealed through His people. Becoming like Jesus flows from union with Christ; we are formed by abiding, not striving. Christians often emphasize different means of abiding—Scripture, sacrament, or spiritual experience—but division arises when any one means replaces Christ Himself. The narrow middle calls the Church back to Christ as the center, where differences are ordered under Him rather than erased. Jesus teaches that abiding is mutual indwelling: He in us and we in Him. Scripture points to Him, sacraments participate in Him, and the Spirit unites us to Him. When one life flows through many people, unity is received rather than manufactured, and the world sees Jesus.
Locations & Times
Mt. Zion Church
1643 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015, USA
Saturday 5:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
• Unity isn’t just something we believe — it’s something we practice.
• The most normal place to practice it: the table.
1) Jesus Forms People at the Table
Luke 5:27–32
27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 So, leaving everything behind, he got up and began to follow him. 29 Then Levi hosted a grand banquet for him at his house. Now there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining at the table with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? ” 31 Jesus replied to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Talking points:
• Jesus calls Levi: “Follow me.”
• Levi hosts a meal; Jesus eats with outsiders.
• Jesus’ point: He came for those who know they need Him.
• Tables aren’t just social — they’re formative.
2) The Early Church Had a Cadence: Temple + Table
Acts 2:42–47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Talking points:
• Devoted to: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer.
• Met together publicly and from house to house.
• Shared life wasn’t optional; it was part of spiritual formation.
• Inspiration on Sundays is not the same as formation through shared life.
3) Why Unity Matters
John 17:22–23
22 I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one.23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.
Talking points:
• Jesus prays for believers to be one.
• Purpose: so the world would know Jesus is real and God’s love is real.
• Unity is meant to be visible evidence, not just a concept.
The Tension
• We want community, but we often protect convenience.
• If it’s never scheduled, it rarely happens.
Application: Make a Reservation
• List 10 names you should share life with (not just closest friends).
• Choose 2 and pick a date/time.
• Send the invite (coffee, meal, after church).
Reflection Questions
1. What keeps me from being intentional about community (busyness, comfort, fear, control)?
2. Who will I schedule this week, and what specific step will I take in the next 24 hours?