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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
J.R.R. Tolkein, author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy wrote, “…if more of us valued food and cheer and joy above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”1 And while I have a difficult time imagining Jesus and his disciples riotously singing and cavorting about during supper, it is plain from scripture that eating together was important for them and that they did indeed enjoy the fellowship that went along with a family or communal meal. (For instance, the Lord’s Supper – based on the Passover meal – was centered on the strength and encouragement found around a table set with food in a relaxed atmosphere where questions could be asked and answered, where prayers were being said, and singing enjoyed in; a serious but festive time of communing together and imparting truth. Not the least of which was ‘God loves you, and I do too.’)
A number of biblical scenes take place around meals (Genesis 18; Matthew 9:9-12; Luke 10:38-41; Luke 19:1-9), highlighting the fact that, particularly in the Middle East, hospitality was – and still is – considered a sacred obligation (Genesis 24); the provision of food, water and shelter being met in an obliging – if not always eager – fashion. Many throughout this region live with no police force, social welfare agencies or provision for insurance of any kind; services most Americans consider absolute necessities. (The most notable exception being the Amish, who for the most part get along quite well without any of those “essentials” in their rather closed but self-supporting societies.) Mutual dependence was – and is – vital for survival, a strong sense of community is essential. Mealtimes, with the whole family gathered together and friends – or even strangers – welcome, was and is a celebration of that community.
However, the table represented much more than just a place to relax and enjoy themselves. It was a place of mutual trust, where people’s fears, suspicions and vulnerabilities could be laid aside – at least for a while – and a person could feel safe and secure. Authors Spangler/Tverburg writing, “Sitting down at the same table with someone meant that you shared a protected relationship with them. Whom you ate with revealed something important about who you were, showing to whom you belonged.”2 The ideal of offering table fellowship often centered on developing relationships with people, including friendship, over-lordship, and protection as much as the act of eating together. (See 1 Kings 18:19) By being a guest at another’s table, you came under their protection, at least for the period of time while there, possibly being offered their aid and provision permanently. Both sides now being honor-bound to defend their new partner, even at the risk of losing their own wealth, reputation and lives.
Today, many of us have lost the close ties that for centuries existed between food, fellowship and “community”. Fostering once more the ideal of table fellowship within our own homes, the community at large and in our houses of worship would go a long way to restoring the other values society depends on to function properly as well. (Paul exhorting the church and its people to – among other things – “Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13) Respect, consideration, fairness, and giving of oneself to a “bigger” or “higher” calling representing only a few of the character traits this type of community could restore. For the church at large, communion, celebrated weekly in most Christian churches but observed only quarterly or less in others, needs to become a focal point in our worship once again; celebrating the peace, provision, security and sense of purpose we’ve found in our relationship with Christ.
The practice of eating a meal of thanksgiving is depicted most graphically in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, the wayward boy welcomed home with a festive meal, signifying reconciliation and the joy to be found in the son’s return; the father’s acceptance of him and the young man’s coming to his senses in accepting his father’s grace being adequate reason for a party in anyone’s book. But like the elder son’s indignation at the festivities for his younger brother, many took offense at the dinner companions Jesus sometimes took pleasure in; accusing him of being “a glutton and a drunkard.” (Luke 7:31-34 & Matthew 9:11) Mistaking his embracing of them as condoning their behavior, rather than a means of changing it; which was the essence of his mission and ministry.
Jesus was living out his own version of the “prodigal”, assuming the role of the forgiving father. This need of acceptance and reconciliation pointedly referenced in Revelation 3:20 as well, depicting Jesus as expectantly seeking entrance into our lives, saying “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” In fact, Jesus described heaven as being like a great banquet or wedding feast. (Matthew 22:1-14 & Luke 14:1-24); celebrating the union of the Lamb of God with the people of God. (See also Revelation 19:1-9)
A deeper understanding and appreciation of all these aspects of table fellowship should inspire us to place more significance in our practice of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus instructing us to remember him and all he had done by enjoying this “meal” together. The bread and wine – representing his body and blood – allowing us to once again have unbroken communion with God and each other. Feeling welcome, safe, provided for and at peace in his presence and in the company of our “family” of fellow believers.
Paul succinctly describing this communal meal for the Corinthian church thusly, “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death (and the salvation to be attained through it) until he comes.’” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
1From The Hobbit, Houghton-Mifflin Publishing
2Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Zondervan Publishing
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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