Thanksgiving! It is all about the food, family and friends!
Have you ever thought that most of our life revolves around food. America has become known for our affluent way of life. There are even studies about the way in which we present our food. For example, the study revealed if you are middle class you may be more concerned about how healthy and organic the food is. If you have less income, the study said the amount of the food is important because you are unsure what you might have for your next meal. If you are well off or want to make people think you are, then it is “the presentation” that counts. All the while we have become one of the most obese nations in the world.
In the Gospel of Luke alone, there are eight instances where Jesus dines with people. Jesus eats at Levi’s house, Simon the Pharisee’s, Martha and Mary’s, twice with other Pharisees, Zacchaeus’s home, Passover meal and the meal with the two on the road to Emmaus, and a supper with the disciples after his resurrection.
Many other times, Jesus uses food in parables as teachable moments. After feeding the 5000, the crowds followed him seeking “bread” (John 6:26 NASB). Jesus tells them, “You seek Me not because you saw signs but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food which perishes but for the food which endures to eternal life.”
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:35 NASB)
In John 4, we see Jesus with the woman at the well. His disciples are encouraging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have the food to eat that you do not know about.” Then in John 4: 34, He told them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.”
Jesus must have really enjoyed those meals and friends. The number of times something is used or mentioned in God’s Word shows the importance of it. Jesus’ heart was ministering to people. There must have been more than just eating with people that He was teaching us.
Tomorrow we will continue to look at feasting at the Father’s table. There is much more to learn.
What will our food be for this next week? Turkey, dressing, casseroles and desserts. I challenge us to consider the will of Him who saved us and sent us to accomplish His work.
I am going to enjoy this season with family and friends but I am challenging myself to think about feeding my soul with the Word.
This song by Sidewalk Prophets says, Come to the Table. Jesus invites us to dine with Him. From the Passover meal before He gave His life for us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, He invites the redeemed to join Him at His table of grace.
We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Come To The Table Sidewalk Prophets
