‘Taking the Evening Meal’

18. What opportunity does Jesus set before the Christians in Laodicea?

¹⁸ Jesus goes on to say: “Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and take the evening meal with him and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) If the Laodicean Christians will only welcome Jesus into their congregation, he will help them to overcome their lukewarmness!​—Matthew 18:20.

19. What does Jesus imply when he promises to take the evening meal with the congregation in Laodicea?

¹⁹ Jesus’ mention of the evening meal doubtless reminds the Laodiceans of the times when he ate meals with his disciples. (John 12:1-8) Such occasions always brought spiritual blessings for those present. Likewise, there were notable occasions after Jesus’ resurrection when he was present at a meal with his disciples, which occasions greatly strengthened them. (Luke 24:28-32; John 21:9-19) Hence, his promise to come into the Laodicean congregation and take the evening meal with them is a promise to bring them rich spiritual benefits if only they will receive him.

21. From 1919 onward, how have Christians in the true congregation responded to Jesus’ words to the Christians in Laodicea?

²¹ Even within the true congregation, there have been lukewarm individuals who are like a drink that is neither stimulatingly hot nor refreshingly cold. But Jesus still warmly loves his congregation. He makes himself available to Christians who respond hospitably, and many have welcomed him, as though to an evening meal. As a result, from 1919 onward their eyes have been opened to the meaning of Bible prophecies. They have enjoyed a period of great enlightenment.​—Psalm 97:11; 2 Peter 1:19.

22. What future evening meal may Jesus have had in mind, and who will share in it?

²² In addressing the Laodiceans, Jesus may also have had another evening meal in mind. Later in Revelation we read: “Happy are those invited to the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage.” This is the majestic victory banquet in praise of Jehovah after he has executed judgment on false religion​—a banquet shared in by Christ and his completed bride of 144,000 in heaven. (Revelation 19:1-9) Responsive members of that ancient Laodicean congregation​—yes, and faithful brothers of Christ Jesus today, who wear clean garments of identification as genuine anointed Christians—​will all feast with their Bridegroom at that evening meal. (Matthew 22:2-13) What a powerful inducement to be zealous and repent!