In the Treasury this morning, C.F.W. Walther's meditation on the Lord's Supper gives the example of diverse people coming the table saying, "Although one may appear in a rough apron while another in velvet and satin, adorned with gold and pearls, when they depart, all take with them that for which they hunger and thirst: Christ's blood and righteousness as their beauty and glorious dress. No one receives a better food and better drink than the other. All receive the same Jesus, and with Him, the same righteousness.: (Treasury 173). 

 Jesus' forgiveness equalizes all people. Unworthy sinners approach the table of the Lord, trusting in the promise of Christ's Word combined with the bread and the wine which make them also His Body and Blood, for the forgiveness of their sins. No one approached the table with their good works, their material gains, or their earthly merit and riches. No. We are not brought to the table of the Lord by means of our self-worthiness, but rather in spite of it. Both rich and poor, people who have it all together and those who are a hot mess, are brought to the table of the Lord by the Holy Spirit, and in faith, believing the Words of Jesus, they receive the same Body and Blood of Jesus for the same forgiveness. Every one is brought to the table in sin and they depart in joy and peace, forgiven absolutely of all of their sins. Jesus's forgiveness, brought to us in the means of grace, equalizes sinners in holy absolution. From the gravest transgressor to the white-washed uber religious church leader, in Jesus, all are equal in the forgiveness of their sins. No one is forgiven more, and another less, but all are equally forgiven completely and absolutely. May this complete absolution continue to comfort you and guide you as you walk in faith toward God and in love for your neighbor this Maundy Thursday.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adan be drowned anew so that you hear only the peaceful voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I love you. I forgive you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull