Behind The Name

The name Table 12 came from two simple truths that run all throughout Scripture: Jesus did His ministry around the table, and God uses the number twelve to represent His order and design. When those two ideas came together, the name made perfect sense.

First, the table. If you look at the life of Jesus, you see that some of His most powerful ministry moments happened at tables. He sat with tax collectors like Zacchaeus. He shared meals with people who were considered unclean. He ate with people who doubted Him, questioned Him, misunderstood Him, and even disliked Him. He used meals to teach, to reveal truth, to show grace, and to invite people into a new way of living. The table was where strangers became followers, where disciples were formed, and where hearts were softened. It was one of His main ministry tools.

Then comes the twelve. In Scripture, twelve represents God’s order, structure, and intentional design. There were twelve tribes in Israel, marking God’s covenant people. Jesus chose twelve disciples on purpose, not at random. Revelation describes twelve foundations in the New Jerusalem, showing God’s eternal order. Whenever you see twelve in the Bible, it signals that God is establishing something stable, purposeful, and aligned with His plan.

So the name Table 12 brings those two truths together. The table represents gathering, connection, and the ministry style of Jesus. Twelve represents order, foundation, and God’s intentional design. When you put them together, you get a picture of what this ministry is meant to be: a table that follows the way of Jesus and restores the order of God in a world craving peace.

But it goes deeper. Jesus didn’t limit His table to the spiritually mature. He welcomed people who were curious, confused, skeptical, or far from faith. Some wanted nothing to do with Him, and He still gave them a seat. Table 12 carries that same heart. This table is not only for the saints. It is for the wanderers, the hurting, the hesitant, the searching, and the ones who aren’t sure what they believe. Everyone gets a chair, just like they did with Jesus.

And ultimately, every seat at Table 12 points to a greater table, God’s table. The one He’s been preparing since the beginning. The one where people find peace, belonging, healing, and purpose. Our table is simply the place where people can encounter Him.

That’s why it’s called Table 12.