The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Luke 7:34)
Dear People Who Keep Company with God,
Eating meals together is a beautiful expression of welcome and friendship in every culture. This is why Jesus’ meals are so significant: they reveal God’s grace and His heart toward us. Jesus spent a great deal of time eating and drinking with all sorts of people, particularly outsiders in need of a place to belong. We all need a place to belong. In the gospels, the starting point for Jesus is always grace, seeking for us, and inviting us into the home of His heart. The first thought in the mind of Christ toward us is not about sin, who’s in and who’s out, or who gets an invitation to eat with Him. In the heart of the Father, everyone is already in. Everyone is invited. His concern is whether we are present or not. Have we shown up or are we lost and missing? The meals of Jesus represent something bigger. They represent a new family and a new kingdom. They represent the Father’s desire to bring us into His heart.
Today, sharing meals still have this welcoming power of grace and friendship. When we eat together, it is more than a meal. It’s not simply about the food. We all sit at the same level around the table. Regardless of who we are and what we have accomplished, we all have the need for food and drink. Food is the great equalizer among us, reminding us we’re all needy. God, in Jesus Christ, subjected Himself to this same need. Meals are an opportunity to remember our dependence on other people, from the farmers through everyone down the line to the cooks and servers. Eating a meal together means identifying with others and consciously or unconsciously experiencing the grace of God. The meal is an occasion for fellowship. We are scattered about in our lives, and when we come together around the table, we can reconnect and find a place of belonging. Above all, it is a time to be thankful for our Father who graciously invites us to take our place at His table.
Food was part of God’s family plan from the beginning. He gave us vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts and grains, and the freedom to create meals from them. That is why different cultures have meals of unique combinations of foods, spices, and flavoring that speak of the uniqueness of the people. The variety of preparation of food testifies to the creativity and diversity of God and humanity. Food was also involved when we lost our way in the Garden of Eden. The first outward act of disobedience was eating from the wrong tree. Because of this, our relationship with food can still go wrong. Today, millions of people worldwide suffer from eating disorders which are sometimes fatal. Food and water are also used as weapons to control and manipulate individuals and nations. Food is misused and abused because of a broken relationship with God. But God, who is rich in mercy, has made way for us in Christ. There is a place set for each one of at the Father’s table. We matter to Him. We are desired by and important to God. He rejoices over our presence at His table.
Many Blessings, BW