LESSONS FROM THE TRAY
LESSONS FROM THE TRAY:
by Sarah Joy Holden
Sarah is a dedicated woman of faith, frequently wrestled with material possessions. She believed that such belongings were essential for her acceptance in various social circles. Constantly fluctuating between secular beliefs and Christian values, she sought to blend the benefits of both worlds. Yet, she began to sense a profound internal shift brewing beneath the surface. With time, her indecisiveness became more unsettling.
One day, while Sarah was in her room contemplating her recent personal trials, she recalled a creative project she had undertaken with friends. Suddenly, to her surprise, as she lifted her gaze where she was surprised to find Jesus standing before her, carrying a tray. “Bless him,” she thought, he’s brought me in a cup of tea. I do hope he’s remembered I don’t take sugar and drink it from the left. Without saying a word, Jesus stepped into the room, avoiding the shopping bags on the floor, she had carelessly dropped on her way in. Carefully, he set the tray down on the table; part of it was covered with a cloth, what’s under there she asked,” Ah, not just yet Jesus said,” Enjoy your tea first.
This moment sparked memories of a game from her childhood – the tray memory game, also known as Kim’s Game, commonly played by schoolchildren. Participants would be shown a collection of everyday items, given a short time to observe them before being covered, then asked to recall as many as possible once the tray was covered. Sarah had nearly forgotten this game. It wasn’t part of her Sunday school activities, likely due to the passage of time and the fading of her own recollections. Thus, she contemplated why she found herself playing this game with Jesus today. Once the tray was positioned in front of her, Jesus unveiled its contents. “These are my belongings!” Sarah exclaimed. “How and why did you get them?” Jesus replied gently, his manner kinder, whatever you believe belongs to you also belongs to me.
As she reached out for the items, she realized they were resting on one of the new trays she had purchased that very morning from a charity shop. At this point, Jesus covered the tray again and instructed her that when the cloth was removed, take note of the items on this tray and share your thoughts. After a short pause, Jesus lifted the cloth. With her voice trembling, Sarah listed the items she recognized: her purse, keys, phone, disability badge, a CD, a puzzle piece, five pens, a bus card, an eraser, her pencil case, a family photo, a Wi-Fi code, painkillers, an appointment card, and loose change.
Next, Jesus asked her to “close your eyes” while he re-covered the tray. In her mind, she prepared for the possibility that some items might be missing upon his next revelation and how the game worked. Obeying him, she shut her eyes. When asked, she opened them again, and she noticed several items were clearly absent. Yet, aside from her wallet and phone – two items she considered irreplaceable – she struggled to recall what had disappeared. Had Jesus misled her, or was he imparting a simple lesson through this analogy?
Interestingly, the term “trays” does not appear in the Bible; such terminology is absent from scripture. However, in the New Testament, it does mention meals and vessels that highlight everyday life and communion. Modern ministries often use the metaphor of a “tray” to represent service or elements of communion. Those searching for biblical verses related to memory, reflection, or the quest for knowledge often turn to scriptures like Psalm 105:5, where God recounts His miracles and judgments, and Deuteronomy 4:9, which advises, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live,” frequently cited in reflective or educational settings.
As we return to the narrative, Jesus engaged with Sarah again: “My child, among all these items, which one is most significant to you? Why do you anchor your faith in these worldly possessions? Am I the your Lord and God, not sufficient for all your needs? Was my sacrifice and resurrection not sufficient?” These penetrating questions struck a chord with Sarah leading her to re-evaluate her priorities. She recognized that she had placed greater value on material items than on her relationship with the Lord. Looking at the tray again, she was astonished to see all her belongings restored—perhaps a miracle, though not to be confused with magic. These items had been absent for a duration had she not been paying attention, and a moment’s distraction appeared to account for her oversight. Was this the time for her to sort out what lay before her and prioritise what to keep and what she needed to let go of and pass on.
Jesus continued, “Remember, Sarah, none of this can accompany you into the kingdom of heaven.” (Ref: 1 Timothy 6:7: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”). Such possessions hold no place in heaven. In realms of heaven, you will be cared and catered for – I will not leave you short of nothing. For it has been recorded in the sacred texts that the accumulation of wealth solely for personal gain results in spiritual devastation. As my followers, you are intended to be custodians entrusted with the responsibility of utilizing your resources to benefit others and to bring glory to the Lord your God. The principal theme of stewardship emphasizes that all possessions ultimately belong to God. If you identify yourself as a believer, you are urged to practice diligent management of the resources entrusted to you (1 Peter 4:10).
Missionaries are significant contemporary examples of individuals who give up everything to serve a divine purpose. A missionary is a member of a religious organization sent to specific locations to share their faith, provide humanitarian assistance, or offer educational and developmental services. Both modern and historical instances illustrate various methods across different eras. These individuals navigate their paths guided by prayer and faith, facing a variety of challenges and joys. They respond to the call to serve, and trays that might initially seem empty often overflow with grace, mercy, hope, and love for humanity. Their response to the divine call does not have to cross borders; it can happen right in our communities. Are we, perhaps, perpetuating a cycle of greed that intensifies a nation’s poverty?
As we return to Sarah, she’s there still in her room, Jesus has departed after delivering a critical lesson via the metaphor of the tray, providing her with an opportunity for reflection. Are her possessions taking precedence over her devotion and time spent with Jesus? Is she overwhelmed by secular influences that seem to perpetually seek more than she already has? This has led Sarah to absorb the reflections and insights shared herein. Shehumbly asked God now in his physical absence, but knowing he was with her there in spirit for His guidance in leading her toward a life unburdened by excessive desires and material excess. It is often said that by embracing simplicity and letting go of unnecessary wants, we uncover a deeper sense of fulfilment and abundance.
It is my hope that we strive each day to embody the principles and teachings this story has presented to us. May we learn to appreciate what genuinely holds significance in life and align our actions with Gods teachings. Let Gods wisdom brighten our paths, steering us towards a life marked by clarity, purpose, generosity, and selflessness.
In my summary; May I be bold enough to set us with a challenge for contemplation. What, like in Sarah’s circumstance, is on our own trays — what is God asking us to let go of? What are wewilling to offer to Jesus, extending beyond mere material belongings to the entirety of ourselves? From this day forth, who will we serve: man, possessions, more.
Sarah is a dedicated woman of faith, frequently wrestled with material possessions. She believed that such belongings were essential for her acceptance in various social circles. Constantly fluctuating between secular beliefs and Christian values, she sought to blend the benefits of both worlds. Yet, she began to sense a profound internal shift brewing beneath the surface. With time, her indecisiveness became more unsettling.
One day, while Sarah was in her room contemplating her recent personal trials, she recalled a creative project she had undertaken with friends. Suddenly, to her surprise, as she lifted her gaze where she was surprised to find Jesus standing before her, carrying a tray. “Bless him,” she thought, he’s brought me in a cup of tea. I do hope he’s remembered I don’t take sugar and drink it from the left. Without saying a word, Jesus stepped into the room, avoiding the shopping bags on the floor, she had carelessly dropped on her way in. Carefully, he set the tray down on the table; part of it was covered with a cloth, what’s under there she asked,” Ah, not just yet Jesus said,” Enjoy your tea first.
This moment sparked memories of a game from her childhood – the tray memory game, also known as Kim’s Game, commonly played by schoolchildren. Participants would be shown a collection of everyday items, given a short time to observe them before being covered, then asked to recall as many as possible once the tray was covered. Sarah had nearly forgotten this game. It wasn’t part of her Sunday school activities, likely due to the passage of time and the fading of her own recollections. Thus, she contemplated why she found herself playing this game with Jesus today. Once the tray was positioned in front of her, Jesus unveiled its contents. “These are my belongings!” Sarah exclaimed. “How and why did you get them?” Jesus replied gently, his manner kinder, whatever you believe belongs to you also belongs to me.
As she reached out for the items, she realized they were resting on one of the new trays she had purchased that very morning from a charity shop. At this point, Jesus covered the tray again and instructed her that when the cloth was removed, take note of the items on this tray and share your thoughts. After a short pause, Jesus lifted the cloth. With her voice trembling, Sarah listed the items she recognized: her purse, keys, phone, disability badge, a CD, a puzzle piece, five pens, a bus card, an eraser, her pencil case, a family photo, a Wi-Fi code, painkillers, an appointment card, and loose change.
Next, Jesus asked her to “close your eyes” while he re-covered the tray. In her mind, she prepared for the possibility that some items might be missing upon his next revelation and how the game worked. Obeying him, she shut her eyes. When asked, she opened them again, and she noticed several items were clearly absent. Yet, aside from her wallet and phone – two items she considered irreplaceable – she struggled to recall what had disappeared. Had Jesus misled her, or was he imparting a simple lesson through this analogy?
Interestingly, the term “trays” does not appear in the Bible; such terminology is absent from scripture. However, in the New Testament, it does mention meals and vessels that highlight everyday life and communion. Modern ministries often use the metaphor of a “tray” to represent service or elements of communion. Those searching for biblical verses related to memory, reflection, or the quest for knowledge often turn to scriptures like Psalm 105:5, where God recounts His miracles and judgments, and Deuteronomy 4:9, which advises, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live,” frequently cited in reflective or educational settings.
As we return to the narrative, Jesus engaged with Sarah again: “My child, among all these items, which one is most significant to you? Why do you anchor your faith in these worldly possessions? Am I the your Lord and God, not sufficient for all your needs? Was my sacrifice and resurrection not sufficient?” These penetrating questions struck a chord with Sarah leading her to re-evaluate her priorities. She recognized that she had placed greater value on material items than on her relationship with the Lord. Looking at the tray again, she was astonished to see all her belongings restored—perhaps a miracle, though not to be confused with magic. These items had been absent for a duration had she not been paying attention, and a moment’s distraction appeared to account for her oversight. Was this the time for her to sort out what lay before her and prioritise what to keep and what she needed to let go of and pass on.
Jesus continued, “Remember, Sarah, none of this can accompany you into the kingdom of heaven.” (Ref: 1 Timothy 6:7: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”). Such possessions hold no place in heaven. In realms of heaven, you will be cared and catered for – I will not leave you short of nothing. For it has been recorded in the sacred texts that the accumulation of wealth solely for personal gain results in spiritual devastation. As my followers, you are intended to be custodians entrusted with the responsibility of utilizing your resources to benefit others and to bring glory to the Lord your God. The principal theme of stewardship emphasizes that all possessions ultimately belong to God. If you identify yourself as a believer, you are urged to practice diligent management of the resources entrusted to you (1 Peter 4:10).
Missionaries are significant contemporary examples of individuals who give up everything to serve a divine purpose. A missionary is a member of a religious organization sent to specific locations to share their faith, provide humanitarian assistance, or offer educational and developmental services. Both modern and historical instances illustrate various methods across different eras. These individuals navigate their paths guided by prayer and faith, facing a variety of challenges and joys. They respond to the call to serve, and trays that might initially seem empty often overflow with grace, mercy, hope, and love for humanity. Their response to the divine call does not have to cross borders; it can happen right in our communities. Are we, perhaps, perpetuating a cycle of greed that intensifies a nation’s poverty?
As we return to Sarah, she’s there still in her room, Jesus has departed after delivering a critical lesson via the metaphor of the tray, providing her with an opportunity for reflection. Are her possessions taking precedence over her devotion and time spent with Jesus? Is she overwhelmed by secular influences that seem to perpetually seek more than she already has? This has led Sarah to absorb the reflections and insights shared herein. Shehumbly asked God now in his physical absence, but knowing he was with her there in spirit for His guidance in leading her toward a life unburdened by excessive desires and material excess. It is often said that by embracing simplicity and letting go of unnecessary wants, we uncover a deeper sense of fulfilment and abundance.
It is my hope that we strive each day to embody the principles and teachings this story has presented to us. May we learn to appreciate what genuinely holds significance in life and align our actions with Gods teachings. Let Gods wisdom brighten our paths, steering us towards a life marked by clarity, purpose, generosity, and selflessness.
In my summary; May I be bold enough to set us with a challenge for contemplation. What, like in Sarah’s circumstance, is on our own trays — what is God asking us to let go of? What are wewilling to offer to Jesus, extending beyond mere material belongings to the entirety of ourselves? From this day forth, who will we serve: man, possessions, more.
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