What do you like to do when you go out to lunch, or dinner, or even breakfast? Do you like to be waited on and given what you like, do you just like to get your food quickly and then out the door when done, or do you like the social aspect of dining out as much as the food itself? My wife and I get an opportunity to go out to eat together about once a month, usually when we are sans kids, and we really enjoy it. We have come to the conclusion that it is ten times easier to eat at home, or snack till we can, than to do so at a restaurant when young children are involved. We eat well with a lot of variety at home and enjoy it, as we can engage in conversations and clean up messes much more easily than on the road. Do you relax and enjoy your food more in some places or with some people than others? What is your most memorable meal?
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3
I had the opportunity, on a couple of different occasions to attend a traditional Jewish Seder meal during Passover. While this traditional celebration with storytelling was likely developed after Jesus’ time, it does give symbolism to the food items served at the meal. It also gives a good illustration of the significance of the Passover celebration in the Jewish culture at the time. While it may not be the best tasting meal of your life, you do get a better understanding of the spiritual significance and role of food in our lives. It is also hard to miss the similarities between Jesus and the sacrificial Passover lamb, which were both killed to save the people from God’s wrath. How often do we overlook or take His sacrifice for granted today?
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20
The Last Supper, as described in scripture, has been the subject of countless conversations and been depicted in a variety of ways through history. The thing that often strikes me, is even though Jesus made many allusions to what was to come for him and his disciples, they often didn’t seem to get it. Why were the disciples ‘out to lunch’ at times even when they had the greatest access and even dined with the one who would be taken from them? Maybe they weren’t always listening to Him. Have you ever had a dinner conversation with a friend, or spouse, and realized you had not heard, misheard or forgotten something they said earlier in the conversation? If we knew it was the last time we would dine with them, we may have been more attentive.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. Mark 14:22-24
This Holy Week, as you hear and even participate in activities that bring to life a greater understanding of events that happened nearly 2000 years ago, may you grow in your faith and love for the One around which these events centered. Each time you participate in communion, it can be as if you are dining with Jesus and having a conversation with him. Each time you say Grace and give thanks at your dinner table, you can be inviting Jesus to sit down and dine with you. May each meal with Him be as if you were there at the Last Supper, learning a little more each time you listen to him. May it also be a glimpse of the feast with Him that is yet to come.
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:13-14
Yours in Christ,
Clark
