Who we share meals with speaks volumes. It's a universal language of acceptance, belonging, and community. Yet how often do we consider what our dinner tables say about our faith?
Jesus was known for his "questionable" dining choices. The religious leaders of his day were scandalized by his willingness to break bread with those society deemed unworthy. As recorded in Luke 7:34, they labelled him "a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners." What's remarkable is that Jesus never defended himself against these accusations. Instead, he embraced this reputation because it perfectly illustrated his mission.
When confronted about eating with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house, Jesus responded with words that should challenge us today: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick... For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13). This wasn't just about meals – it was about the heart of the gospel itself.
The early church struggled with this radical inclusion. In Galatians 2, we find Peter, who had previously eaten freely with Gentile believers, suddenly withdrawing when certain Jewish Christians arrived. Paul confronted this hypocrisy head-on, recognizing that Peter's actions contradicted the very essence of the gospel – that we are justified by faith in Christ, not by following cultural or religious customs.
This matters deeply today. In our modern context, church communities are often one of the few places where people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and cultural experiences come together. Yet how often do we truly open our homes and tables to those different from us?
Consider this: Jesus did not endorse sin, but he consistently shared meals with those society rejected. He didn't approve of extortion but ate with tax collectors. He opposed religious pride but dined with Pharisees. He condemned violence but welcomed zealots to his table. The message was clear: God's kingdom is open to all who come in faith.
Call to Action:
1. Take an honest look at your dinner table. Who's missing? Who needs an invitation?
2. Consider who you might be unconsciously excluding from fellowship. Are there people you avoid sharing meals with due to cultural, social, or religious differences?
3. Remember that our ability to welcome others flows from regularly coming to Jesus' table ourselves. Are you staying connected to the source of grace?
In a world increasingly divided by cultural, political, and social barriers, our dinner tables can become powerful testimonies to God's kingdom. Every meal shared with someone outside our usual circle becomes a small reflection of God's grace – a reminder that the gospel isn't about creating exclusive clubs, but about extending Christ's welcome to all.
The question isn't whether we're comfortable with this kind of radical inclusion. The question is: Are we willing to follow Jesus' example and let our tables become places where grace is served alongside the main course?
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