Well, let me tell ya, there’s somethin’ mighty special ’bout why Jesus shared them meals with His disciples. I reckon if we look at it all close-like, we can see that it wasn’t just about eatin’ some bread and fish, no sir. It was all about buildin’ them bonds, and showin’ His love in a way folks could truly feel deep down in their hearts.
You see, back in the day, eatin’ together wasn’t just somethin’ people did to fill their bellies. It was about trust, respect, and friendship. When Jesus sat down with His disciples, it was a mighty powerful way of sayin’, “I’m with you.” It was like He was sayin’, “Y’all are part of somethin’ bigger, somethin’ that’s not just about me, but about all of us together, united.” And that was real important, I tell ya.
Jesus Ate With the Outcasts
Now, the Bible tells us that Jesus didn’t just eat with the good folks. Oh no, He spent time with the outcasts too—those folks that others looked down on. In Luke 5:27-32, He ate with folks the Pharisees couldn’t stand, like tax collectors and sinners. You might wonder why He did that, right? Well, it wasn’t to make folks mad or stir up trouble. It was because He wanted to show everyone that God’s love don’t discriminate. Jesus was sittin’ with them to show ’em they mattered, that even if the world pushed ’em aside, they still had a place with Him.
Think about it this way—when you share a meal with someone, it’s a powerful thing. You can’t just feed someone and not get a little somethin’ back, even if it’s just a shared moment of closeness. So when Jesus shared that food, it was like He was sayin’, “We’re in this together.” He didn’t care what anyone else thought; He cared ‘bout what those people needed, and He gave ’em exactly that.
Why Share a Meal With the Disciples?
Now, what about Jesus and His disciples? Why did He share meals with them, huh? I reckon it’s ‘cause He knew what was comin’ down the road. Right before He got arrested, He called them together for the Passover meal. That meal, the Last Supper, wasn’t just a regular dinner. It was a time for Him to pour into them, to remind them of the mission ahead, and to show ’em that His love was unshakable. You see, Jesus didn’t want ‘em to forget Him, not even after He was gone. That meal was His way of leavin’ a piece of Himself with them. Every time they broke bread after that, they’d remember Him, His words, and His actions. He wanted ‘em to carry His message forward, and there was no better way than through the shared act of eatin’ together.
And when we think about it, that’s somethin’ we still do today, ain’t it? When we sit down with folks, share a meal, it’s more than just fillin’ up our stomachs. We’re buildin’ relationships, sharin’ life, and showin’ love.
The Table of the Kingdom
Jesus also talked about the kind of table God sets. It ain’t the kind of table where only the rich and mighty sit. No, no. He said, “Invite the poor, the crippled, the blind” (Luke 14:12-13). He wasn’t just talkin’ about who sits at the table, but He was sayin’ the Kingdom of God is for everybody. The folks at that table weren’t just folks with power or wealth, they were regular people like you and me, and that’s a mighty beautiful thing.
When Jesus shared meals with His disciples, He was paintin’ a picture of what the Kingdom of God looks like. A table where all are welcome, no matter who they are or where they come from. He didn’t just want us to sit around; He wanted us to understand what true community looks like. A community built on trust, love, and servin’ one another. And what better way to do that than by sharin’ a meal, huh?
The Meal Was More Than Just Food
But it wasn’t just ‘bout eatin’ food, no sir. It was about communion, connection, and trust. Jesus knew that when you eat with someone, you form a bond. You sit there, break bread together, and you start to understand each other better. Jesus was showin’ His disciples, and all those around Him, that the Kingdom wasn’t about laws or traditions—it was about relationship. It was about share and care, lookin’ out for one another and walkin’ through life together.
It’s kind of like when we gather ‘round the table for a family meal. It’s not just ‘bout the food, though the food sure is good. It’s about the stories we share, the laughter, and the comfort we find in one another’s company. That’s what Jesus was doin’ with His disciples. He was preparin’ ‘em for the hard times ahead, remindin’ them of His love, and sharin’ the comfort of His presence.
Conclusion
So, why did Jesus share meals with His disciples? Well, I reckon it’s ‘cause He loved ‘em. He wanted to teach ‘em about true community, about love and servin’ one another. He wanted to remind ‘em that the Kingdom of God wasn’t just for the rich and mighty, but for everyone, even the outcasts. And most of all, He wanted ‘em to remember that He was always with ‘em, even when He wasn’t sittin’ at the table anymore.
It was a way for Him to say, “We’re in this together, and that’s what’s gonna get us through.” And that’s why meals with Jesus weren’t just meals—they were acts of love, unity, and faith.
Tags:[Jesus, Disciples, Meals, Passover, Community, Kingdom of God, Faith, Love, Spirituality, Fellowship]