Eating Bread at the Lord’s Table
Preaching Outline on 2 Samuel 9:7 – And David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and I will restore to you all the lands of Saul your father, and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
Introduction to 2 Samuel 9:7
The story of Mephibosheth, in 2 Samuel 9, is one of the Bible’s most touching accounts of grace, restoration and communion.
- Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son and the grandson of Saul, the king rejected by God.
- Because he was from Saul’s family, he was a potential rival to David’s throne – in those days, it was common for new kings to exterminate the family of the previous king to avoid rebellion.
- Furthermore, Mephibosheth was crippled in his feet (2 Samuel 4:4), a man marked by shame and exclusion.
But David, driven by an oath of love to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17), seeks out Mephibosheth not to kill him, but to restore him.
“And David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and I will restore to you all the lands of Saul your father, and you will always eat bread at my table.”” (2 Samuel 9:7)
This story is a prophetic shadow of Christ’s grace towards us. Like Mephibosheth, we didn’t deserve to be at the King’s table, but Jesus calls us to sit with him.
Development
1. The King’s table is a place of Grace, not merit
Mephibosheth had no right to be there:
- He was from the wrong lineage (Saul’s family, not David’s).
- He was defective (crippled in the feet).
- He was hiding in Lo-Debar (a place of oblivion, 2 Samuel 9:4-5).
So were we:
- We were far away (Ephesians 2:12-13).
- We were spiritually crippled by sin.
- We lived in Lo-Debar-places of misery and abandonment.
But David sought him out (just as Jesus sought us out, Luke 19:10) and said:
- “Fear not” – He removes our fear of condemnation.
- “I will be gracious to you” – This is undeserved grace.
- “I will restore all lands” – Jesus not only saves us, but gives us an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).
- “You will eat bread at my table” – Constant communion with the King.
2. The Bread on the Lord’s table represents Jesus, the bread of life
When David says “you shall eat bread at my table”, it points to:
- The Lord’s Supper – “I have longed to eat this Passover with you…” (Luke 22:15).
- Jesus, the Bread of Life – “I am the living bread that came down from heaven…” (John 6:51).
- The Church, the Body of Christ – “One bread, we who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17).
We don’t eat alone – it’s a communion table. Just as Mephibosheth was placed among the king’s sons (2 Samuel 9:11), we have been adopted into God’s family (Galatians 4:5-7).
3. The Lord’s table is a place of honor and continuous provision
Mephibosheth was not only forgiven, but honored:
- He received Saul’s land back (restitution).
- He always ate at the king’s table (daily provision).
- He was treated as one of the king’s sons (identity).
So is our life in Christ:
- Restitution – All that sin has stolen, God restores.
- Provision – “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19).
- Real identity – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12).
Conclusion of 2 Samuel 9:7
Are you sitting at the King’s table?
Mephibosheth could have said:
- “I’m not worthy” – but David called him.
- “I’m a cripple” – But David honored him.
- “I’m from the wrong family” – But David adopted him.
Jesus has already prepared the table! He says:
- “Come, for all things are ready” (Luke 14:17).
- “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him” (Revelation 3:20).
Will you accept the invitation? 🍞✝️
Don’t stay in Lo-Debar-come to the King’s table! 🙌
Preaching Outline on 2 Samuel 9:7 – And David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and I will restore to you all the lands of Saul your father, and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
More Preaching Outlines
- God’s table – Luke 14:15
- Preaching on Mephibosheth – 2 Samuel 9:3-7
- Come to the King’s house – II Samuel 9
