We gather around the table as God’s family.
As followers of Jesus, we are more than just a Bible study, support group, or social club- We are a Family!
Families share life as they gather around tables and enjoy meals together. That’s why this week your Missional Community will be sharing a meal together. Meals have been essential to God’s people throughout the story. In the Old Testament the way people ate reminded them that they were God’s people. Meals were an essential part of Jesus’ ministry (Matthew. 9:9-17, Luke 10:38-42). The first churches did more than just gather at the Temple for some sermons, they met in homes to eat with one another, encourage one another, and point one another back to Jesus and his kingdom. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (Acts 2:46)
WHY ARE MEALS SO IMPORTANT?
Meals remind us that we are needy humans.
You may be strong or weak, young or old, rich or poor, but eating together reminds us that we are all humans who get hungry and need food. We all have limitations and benefit from the gifts of others.
Meals remind us that God provides for our needs.
God is gracious to provide us with food; but, we want to remember that Jesus is God’s ultimate provision. He is the bread of life and welcomes us to his table as sons and daughters. (John 6:35, Luke 13.29-30)
Meals create space for community to grow.
God gathers individuals together, but he always places them in a community. The table is a space to share food, stories, joys, problems, and hopes with others (Romans 12:15).