Session #2-Eating and Drinking

Introduction:

As we read the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, we see a pattern of Jesus going out of his way to spend time with those identified by the culture as sinners, and very often, that time is spent around a dinner table. The gospels provide three separate summary statements of Jesus’ ministry on earth. The gospels say that the Son of Man “came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), he came “to serve and give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28), and finally, he came “eating and drinking” with tax collectors and sinners (Matt 11:19). Pastor Jon Tyson observes that the first two statements describe the purpose of Jesus’ mission, and the third represents the method that Jesus chose to draw the lost to himself. Jesus made such a habit of sharing meals with the lost that he was ridiculed by the religious elite as a “glutton and a drunkard” (Luke 7:33-35). These stories in the gospels should lead us to ask why Jesus found this method of inviting people into the Kingdom of God to be so important?

In the ancient world, mealtimes were about far more than just filling your stomach. Communal meals were an effective way for social groups to establish the boundaries of their community. The Pharisees would not eat with Gentiles because they violated food laws, tax collectors, because they were traitors and supporters of the Roman empire, or the poor because they were of a different socioeconomic class. It is in this context that Jesus describes the Kingdom of God as a “great banquet” where all people, including “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, are given an invitation” (Luke 14:13). Jesus is turning the social customs of his day upside-down and establishing a new community where everyone is invited, if only they accept his invitation. 

This week, we want to reflect on how we can adopt this practice of Jesus and think missionally about something we do every day, enjoying a meal. With feelings of loneliness and social isolation at all-time levels, many people long for a genuine relationship with another person forged around a table. What would it look like if we offered just one or two meals a week, or even a month, over to God as a time to “eat and drink” with the lost? How could God work through such a simple act of hospitality? A simple invitation to a coworker for breakfast, an old friend for lunch, or that family you sit with at the game for dinner could be the first step towards introducing Jesus to those who desperately need to know him. 

What are your thoughts on sharing a meal with the lost as a method of evangelism?

How do you think that lost people in your life would respond to an invitation to share a meal?

What might be some challenges in making this a regular practice?

Read Luke 5:27-32 Together and Discuss

What do you find most significant about Jesus’ actions and words in this passage?

We see Jesus intentionally calling out and associating with those regarded as “tax collectors and sinners.”  What does it look like for us to intentionally associate with those who don’t follow Jesus? Why is that challenging?

This Week’s Practice

This week, we want you to take the step of practicing hospitality by eating and drinking with someone who does not know Jesus.

Practice #1: Prayer 

Spend a couple days praying about who you would want to extend the invitation to. Maybe this is the same person that God brought to mind in our previous practice, or perhaps it is a different person altogether. Allow God to direct your actions and invitation and pray that you would be joining him in what he is already doing.

Contact that person and invite them to share a meal as it works best for their schedule.

Practice #2: Share a meal together

The next part is simple: invite them to share a meal! Ideally, this would be at your house or apartment but if that doesn't work, invite them to a restaurant or coffee shop.  As you host the meal, think of creative ways to express the love and welcome of Jesus toward your guest.

During your time together, ask questions, listen, and don’t be afraid to share meaningful conversations. Pray for your guest before they arrive, while they are present, and after they leave.  This practice is more about making the time to share a meal with a lost person than it is making sure you get your gospel presentation in (particularly if this is your first time eating together). You don’t have to give them the Romans Road or Three Circles presentation before they finish their salad! If the opportunity does come to talk about your faith, be bold and take the chance! Allow the Spirit to guide the conversation and trust that God is already at work in this person’s life, and you are joining in on what he’s doing. Allow this to be a first step towards introducing them to person of Jesus who came to “seek and save the lost” through the ordinary method of “eating and drinking.”

Any thoughts, feedback, or questions about this practice? Is there anyone in your life who immediately comes to mind that you might want to invite to a meal?