Perhaps a waiter is the godliest of all professions. I have never been one, but I have gone out to eat several times this week, giving me a good chance to observe. As I watched my waiter, he made me think of Jesus washing his disciple’s feet and feeding them his body and blood. His service was focused on me and the other diners. When someone complained about their meal, he smiled and offered to get them something else. He refilled glasses and removed dirty dishes. Jesus does that. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” When I had finished my entrée, my waiter even offered dessert. Isn’t that just like Jesus? After giving us everything, he offers us even more. As he puts it, “I came that you may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Unfortunately, my waiter spoiled the analogy by bringing the bill. It came with a suggestion of how much to tip. Jesus doesn’t do that. Instead, he invites, “Come! Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)