The Power of Sharing a Meal
Jesus was known for his love of good food and warm company. His approach to spreading the gospel was refreshingly simple: gather around the table, share a meal, and let the conversation flow. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is often depicted as being on his way to a meal, enjoying a meal, or just finishing up a meal. This emphasis on sharing meals was not lost on the Pharisees, who criticized Jesus’ disciples for their love of food and drink.
A Sign of Friendship and Grace
For Jesus, eating and drinking were more than just basic necessities – they were a sign of friendship and community. By sharing meals with tax collectors, sinners, and other outcasts, Jesus demonstrated his willingness to break down social barriers and offer a taste of God’s grace. His “excess” of food and “excess” of grace are inextricably linked, revealing a ministry that was all about connection and compassion.
Meals as Ministry
In the life of Jesus, meals were not just a necessary part of daily life – they were an integral part of his mission. By sharing meals, Jesus enacted grace, built community, and spread his message of love and redemption. And the good news is that we can follow his example, without needing to be experts in apologetics or hermeneutics. Simply sharing a meal with others, three or four times a week, can be a powerful way to build up the Christian community and reach out in mission.
A Simple yet Powerful Approach
As Luke describes Jesus’ mission strategy, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking.” In our food-obsessed culture, this approach sounds refreshingly simple and relevant. By embracing the power of shared meals, we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps and spread his message of love and hope to those around us. So why not give it a try? Invite some friends over for dinner, share a meal with a neighbor, or join a community group that gathers around the table. You never know what might happen when you share a meal and share your heart.
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