A Place at the Table: The Story of Mephibosheth

A Family Gathering and a Spiritual Table

When I think of Thanksgiving, I picture one long table—everyone seated together, laughing, sharing food, and celebrating family. It’s a picture of unity, joy, and belonging.

That’s exactly what God’s family is like. The family of God stretches far beyond these church walls—believers all around the world lifting their voices in praise to the same Savior.

“Belonging to the family of God is a privilege. It’s something we don’t deserve—but it’s given to us freely as a gift.”

You have a place in this family. The enemy wants you to feel isolated, insignificant, or unseen—but God says you belong. You matter to Him, and you matter here at The Love Church.

The Table of the Lord

Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite characters in Scripture—a man with a long name and an even longer story: Mephibosheth.

If you’ve never heard of him, Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul and the son of Jonathan, David’s best friend. His story in 2 Samuel 9 is a powerful foreshadowing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We’re going to see how God’s grace is revealed through this story—and how, just like Mephibosheth, we’ve been invited to the King’s table.

The Gospel Hidden in the Old Testament

Some people think the Gospel only shows up in the New Testament, but it’s all through the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is the thread that ties it all together.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1

Wherever you see the Word of God in Scripture, you find Jesus. He’s there—sometimes hidden, sometimes foreshadowed, but always present.

And in the story of Mephibosheth, we see the Gospel clearly:

• David represents God the Father.

• Jonathan represents Jesus Christ.

• Mephibosheth represents you and me.

Let’s see how this unfolds.

Mephibosheth’s Brokenness

“Jonathan, son of Saul, had a son who was lame in both feet.” — 2 Samuel 4:4

When Mephibosheth was five years old, tragedy struck. His nurse heard that King Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. In fear, she grabbed the child and ran—but in her panic, she dropped him. He fell and became crippled in both feet.

In ancient times, a person who was lame was often viewed as useless, unimportant, or cursed. He couldn’t fight, work, or contribute much to society.

From that moment, Mephibosheth lived as an outcast.

Spiritually speaking, that’s a picture of us.

“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” — Psalm 51:5

We were all born broken by sin—spiritually crippled, unable to save ourselves. Whether you grew up in church or far from it, we all fall short of God’s perfect standard.

But the good news is—we weren’t left there.

The King’s Search

Years later, King David remembered his covenant with Jonathan. Out of love for his friend, he asked:

“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” — 2 Samuel 9:1

That phrase—“for Jonathan’s sake”—is everything.

Just as David searched for Mephibosheth, God searched for us.We didn’t find God—He found us.We didn’t earn His favor—He extended it to us for Jesus’ sake.

When David’s servant, Ziba, told him about Mephibosheth, he added, “He is lame in both feet.” Maybe Ziba thought David would lose interest. But the King’s kindness wasn’t based on usefulness—it was based on love.

Grace Finds the Broken

David sent for Mephibosheth. Imagine his fear as soldiers arrived at his door. He probably thought, “This is it. The King is going to kill me.”

Instead, David said:

“Don’t be afraid… I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” — 2 Samuel 9:7

What a turn of events!

• The outcast became family.

• The forgotten became favored.

• The crippled was carried to the King’s table.

That’s grace.

God does the same for us. When we deserved judgment, He offered mercy. When we were enemies, He called us sons and daughters.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” — Ephesians 2:4–5

The Gospel at the Table

Mephibosheth came to David’s table with broken legs—but he sat like one of the King’s sons. His condition didn’t disqualify him.

And here’s what’s beautiful: when he sat at the table, his brokenness was covered.

Under the tablecloth of grace, his legs couldn’t be seen.All that mattered was that he belonged at the King’s table.

That’s what salvation looks like. We don’t earn our seat—we receive it.

God says, “Come, sit with Me. Eat from My table. Everything that’s Mine is yours.”

You Have a Nameplate at the Table

I remember one holiday meal where there were name cards set at every seat. One of them had my name on it—it was prepared for me.

That’s how it is with God. He’s prepared a place for you at His table.

“He brought me to His banqueting table, and His banner over me is love.” — Song of Solomon 2:4

Jesus meets us at the door and says, “Welcome home. Come and sit down. There’s a spot with your name on it.”

Sadly, many never take their seat. They stay outside, wounded and unworthy, even though the King is calling their name.

Remember Where You Came From

The last verse of 2 Samuel 9 says:

“And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the King’s table; he was lame in both feet.”

Why end with that reminder? Because we must never forget where we came from.

No matter how long you’ve walked with the Lord, you are still utterly dependent on His grace. We’re all Mephibosheths—broken, rescued, and carried to the King’s table.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

The Invitation Still Stands

Imagine Mephibosheth saying, “Thank you, King David, but no thanks.” It sounds absurd—but that’s what many do when they hear the Gospel.

The table is set. The invitation is extended. But some walk away.

Jesus is calling:

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

There’s a seat waiting for you—but you must come through the door.

Jesus said, “I am the door. Whoever enters through Me will be saved.”

There’s only one way to the Father, and it’s through Jesus Christ alone.

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6

Reflection: Grace Covers Our Brokenness

God’s grace doesn’t ignore our flaws—it covers them. It restores what was lost. It turns shame into honor.

Like Mephibosheth, we are still lame in both feet—but now, we walk in grace.

Every time we come to the table—whether in communion, prayer, or worship—we’re reminded:

• We were broken.

• We were invited.

• We were restored.

• We belong.

A Prayer of Invitation

“Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace.I confess that I am broken and unworthy—but You invite me to Your table.I receive Your forgiveness through Jesus.Help me walk in gratitude and humility, remembering where You found me.In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

There’s a place for you at the table. Don’t let fear, guilt, or shame keep you from coming close to God.

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You can also watch the full sermon of A Place at the Table: The Story of Mephibosheth on our Youtube page below.