When someone in Jesus’ day dined together there was sharing of food and good conversation. For most meals it was an intimate setting with deep connections.
Jesus is meeting, talking, and amongst the people. He didn’t distance himself from people. He ministered amongst the people.
“Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”” Matthew 9:10-11
It’s important we spend time sitting with those we want to minister too. The religious leaders were missing out on what was important. As they criticized Jesus, Jesus sat and loved on those considered to be less than by others… but not to Jesus! Some of those people ended up impacting many more for the sake of Christ. Ministry and fellowship take place in more than just a weekly meeting. It takes place around the dinner table, over a cup of coffee, or while sharing a meal. Spend time with others. It’s more important than you think. At least Jesus thought so!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.