Luke 5:27-32
What images come to mind when you think of missionaries? If Jesus is our model for what it means to be a missionary, then one image that ought to come to mind is a long, slow, shared meal. Jesus was actually accused of being a glutton and a drunkard because he ate so many meals, and often with notorious outsiders and sinners. From the very beginning of the Story, eating has a central place: Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating; God rescued his people from slavery by way of a meal; much of God’s promises and blessing revolved around abundant food; and many of the images of God’s final salvation are cast in terms of rich food and good wine. And when we get to the end of the Story in Revelation, we see that God is inviting us to an eternal marriage feast, where we’ll enjoy God and his good gifts forever. For followers of Jesus sent into the world as witnesses, some of the simplest and yet most powerful missionary work we can practice is to share meals, turning strangers into neighbors and neighbors into spiritual family.
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION
1. What significance is there to eating in the Story of God? What stories stand out to you about food and feasting throughout the Old Testament?
2. What is significant about such a great deal of Jesus’ ministry being around a table? Why do you think he gives us a meal as the main way to remember and celebrate his work for us?
3. Imagine the final feast, a multicultural and multiracial wedding feast, where Jesus is celebrated and we’re invited to live in the freedom of grace forever. What makes you most exited about that day?
4. In this season, shared meals are more challenging but no less important. You already eat 21+ meals each week, who can you invite to eat, drink, or otherwise share in hospitality around a table this week?
November 1, 2020 - Steve Hart