Monday 28th April
Read Luke 7:34-36
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.’ 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.” (NIVUK)
Luke’s gospel is full of feasting and flavour. There are books available that just explore the meals Jesus enjoyed, and perhaps sometimes endured, with people from all walks of life. In one of those books, Robert Karris concluded that ‘In Luke’s gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” Jesus never discriminated in His choice of who He would eat with and, given the accusations against Him, enjoyed eating and drinking!
Eating and drinking, using our sense of taste, is at the heart of both building relationships with others and building relationship with God. Meals are used throughout scripture to memorialise the most significant events in the worship calendar. The Jews had annual and extensive feasts and Christians celebrated communion and ate together regularly.
Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding banquet and He didn’t simply provide wine. He provided the best wine. He can satisfy thousands simply with bread and fish. Meals establish community and build friendships and provide welcome. Joy is found at table and Jesus invites us to feast!
Who will you invite to a meal this week?
