Community News 2/19/2025
COMMUNITY
The New Testament puts a strange emphasis on Jesus’ eating habits. Well, “strange” only if we don’t understand the relational and spiritual power of sharing a good meal.
Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding feast. An unnecessary gift of joy to the bride and groom (John 2:1-11). Matthew the Tax Collector threw a dinner party to celebrate the incomprehensible grace he experienced in Jesus (Luke 5:27-32). A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner and got an unexpected object lesson in mercy (Luke 7:36-50). Jesus dines with his close friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus many times. These become intimate teaching moments about treasuring the presence of God (Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8). Every week we relive Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples by sharing in Communion (Luke 22:7-38). Even after his resurrection, meals played a central role in Jesus’ ministry. It wasn’t until Jesus broke bread with them that the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Him (Luke 24:13-35). This is not an exhaustive list. But you get the point: It’s almost like Jesus’ natural habitat was around a dinner table.
Heaven itself is a pictured as a feast: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9).
You see, dinner isn’t just dinner. In the breaking of bread, strangers become friends, and friends become family. Meals are a picture of God’s generosity, His abundance, His welcome, His nearness. Sharing a meal is about more than just spaghetti and garlic bread… it’s a shared expression of our dependence on God, the joy of His provision, the abundance of His generosity, the new family that He is creating to bless the world.
Once a year, we invite all our partners (members) and potential partners (those curious about partnership) to a sort of church-wide family dinner. The church – at its best – is a family of missionary disciples. We ignore either side of that equation to our own peril. Some folks love the family aspect of church, but neglect our missionary identities in Jesus. When we do so, we become ingrown and miss God’s heart for the lost and hurting. Some love the mission and the growth, but fail to embrace the loving, safe, supportive family of God. God’s vision for us is not either/or.
If you’re a partner (or interested in learning more), join us this Sunday for our Partner Night Family Dinner (5:30-7:00pm). We’ll cover the spaghetti. You bring a side or dessert to share. Please RSVP here asap– or just reply to this email with the number joining.
To partner together on the mission that Jesus gave His church, we need to know one another. Let’s share a meal and see if God doesn’t meet us around the table.
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
