JESUS ATE WITH OTHERS

By Rob Britton

 

“And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, ‘Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” Mark 2:16

 

When I say that Jesus had a habit of eating with others, you are probably thinking, “yes, everybody eats; in fact, I’m pretty good at it.” But, what I mean is that Jesus used meals intentionally as a way to spend time with people who needed God. More than once, Jesus ate with notorious tax collectors and their crooked friends. When the religious crowd were shocked that Jesus would put Himself in the middle of them, He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

   Just as Jesus lived every day with a gospel purpose, we can use our mealtimes as opportunities to reach out and listen to someone’s story. In these informal chats about our experiences in life, we can tell about the One who gives us life – Jesus! 

 

ACTION POINT

Be intentional about eating a meal with someone who needs God. 

• Take a friend on your My5 list out to dinner and pay for their meal.
• Take a meal to someone in your neighborhood who has a need.
• Invite someone to have dinner with your family in your home.

 

STUDENTS

Take a friend out for a milkshake and a time to just hang out. Ask questions about their life, family, interests, and background.

 

KIDS

Have your kids invite a friend over for lunch or a snack. Encourage them to talk to their friends about Jesus!

 

PRAYER

   Lord Jesus, forgive me for not using every part of my life to point people to You. Help me today to use my time with gospel intent. I ask You to turn simple conversations over food into eternal conversations about You.