I am sure if we were to ask what the best type of food is, or what the best restaurant in the world is – even the most conservative group of people would soon find themselves deep in conversation and debate. Food elicits powerful emotions in us, despite this we have often failed to understand the power of food – and more specifically, the power of eating together. Something special happens when we gather around a table.

Eating with sinners

We see the importance of food, and power of eating together, time and time again in the life of Jesus. In spite of this, I would guess that if we were to consider how Jesus blessed people when he walked the face of earth, I expect we would answer in healings and teachings – but would eating with them make the list? I know it sounds crazy, but one of the ways that Jesus blessed the world around Him was by…eating. As we read the Gospels (John 2:1-12, Luke 14:13-21, Luke 22:7-20, John 21:1-14) we see that it is central in the message and mission of Jesus to communicate God’s love to everyone He meets.

Matthew writes (in Matt 9:9-13) how he encounters Jesus and how Jesus invites himself for food. They were then joined by a who’s who of veritable undesirables from the local area. They deepen their relationship around the table and then Jesus asks Matthew to follow Him. Eating together breaks down relational barriers quicker than pretty much anything else we can do.

Excuses, Excuses!

Like any simple idea, the first thing I do is think of all of the reasons why this wouldn’t work. So, let’s rehearse some of the common excuses (not reasons) we make:

1. I don’t like having people in my home.

“I don’t like my house,” “I don’t know how to cook,” “I don’t have a table.” If being at home with others is a problem; eat out! Find a place to eat or do what Jesus did and get yourself invited somewhere else to eat! If you don’t cook – order in. Don’t think that eating together means fine dining and a 9-course meal! It’s not about what you’re eating, or even where – it’s about who you are eating with!

2. I wouldn’t know what to say.

We all get anxious to a certain degree in social situations; more so as we haven’t really had many of them in the last 2 years! Remember that this comes after listening to those around you! Learn what to say by keeping on listening; even have some questions prepared (where did you grow up? What do you do for fun? What jobs have you done? Where did you meet? What’s your biggest dream for the future…etc..?), should you find yourself in all out panic mode.

3. I don’t have the time.

I regularly work 80-90 hour weeks, I barely have time to catch up with myself. I get this, this is my excuse. However, as many will attest due to my size, I rarely (if ever) miss a meal. As regular as clockwork I find time to eat 3 times a day. Sometimes it’s inviting someone else to join you in what you’d be doing anyway – it doesn’t need special prep, or to be anything out of the ordinary: a sandwich in the canteen at work, a cereal bar after the school run – it all counts!! (Even if that is all too much, try starting with coffee (real coffee) and cake!)

The Power of Sharing a Meal

What would it look like to set aside 1 or 2 meals (out of 21) to sit and eat with others? Imagine the difference it would make to us, and the world around us. The increase in connection, and of people feeling both loved and significant. It would change the world.