So often when I think of eating - I am thinking how do I fill this necessary need that I have for nutrition; to ease my hunger; to care for my family. These are not, out of hand, bad things - but is this all there is to “eating well.” Of course not. There is eating nutritious, eating in moderation, eating organic and well produced foods, eating well cooked and safe foods, etc. - there is so much to eating well. Again - is there more to this aspect of our created order?

I think so.

Well beyond filling our bellies with “good” food; there is that often overlooked aspect to eating well with regard to who we are sharing our meal. Biblical scholars refer to this as “Table Fellowship.” It is a feature of the New Testament that is hard to overlook. We often observe that Jesus’ critics refer to Him as, “a friend of sinners;” but I don’t know if we look closely enough or model the cause of such a charge.

In the first century of our common era mealtimes were far more than occasions to consume nourishment. Being invited to share a meal and eat well reflected a bond of friendship, intimacy and unity. When Jesus chose to invite folks from all walks of life (women, tax collectors, zealots and “well-known” sinners) to share a meal together Jesus was pushing social practices that spoke loud and clear. Jesus’ radically inclusive table fellowship presented a living parable which was announcing and redefining the in-breaking of God’s Kingdom reign on earth.

What do our meal times say about us?

I have had the opportunity to share some wonderful meals this past week. Meals that transcended consuming for physical nourishment - they nourished the soul. It was all about “eating well.” It was about a “Jesus-kind” of table fellowship.

Who is sharing your table? Are you “eating well” these days?

It demands we slow down. We look around. We extend an offer. In order to open our lives and widen our table… to really eat well.