The Gospel According to Dinner Parties
Did you know, the most important scene in the movie Jurassic Park has no one running from a t-rex or trying to escape a room full of raptors? It is the conversation that happens around a table.
This seemingly unimportant few minutes are what give us a real glimpse into what this story is all about. The scene establishes character and intent, and even some foreshadowing into the chaos that will soon have us spilling our popcorn and yelling "Must go faster!”
Meal scenes in movies, television or novels are important. They give storytellers a chance to do some world building. These quiet moments can reveal the true nature of different characters, show power dynamics, allow for transformation, interrupt with dramatic entrances or exits, or lay out the details of “the big plan”.
Pastor Jay, in this week’s sermon, gave us insight into a critical moment in the film Gran Torino, with Clint Eastwood. The main character’s “Get off my lawn!” attitude toward the world is broken down as he sits at a table of people who just want to show him love and hospitality. His iciness begins to melt as transformation happens at a table, over food and connection; seeing each other with new eyes over strange cuisine.
In modern storytelling, meal scenes help the plot, but they are also an excellent way we can understand the story of Jesus.
For Jesus, meals weren’t just about filling stomachs, they were about revealing His kingdom and showing what was important to Him. Actually, He ate so much that people accused Him of overdoing it. (Luke 5:33)
Basically, Jesus was always on His way to dinner, in the middle of dinner, or just wrapping up dinner *. And every meal had a lesson, a challenge, or a glimpse of the kingdom of God baked right in.
Jesus really liked sitting at tables. Eating, teaching, forgiving, calling people out; He did it all over meals. The Son of God could have chosen any method to change the world, and He went with dinner parties. Yes!
From casual dinners with outcasts to the Last Supper, Jesus flipped the tables (get it?) on social norms. He didn’t just eat with people, He used meals as moments of deep connection, leading people toward understanding, repentance, and faith in Him.
I love that Pastor Jay gave us a preview of what he will be teaching this fall: the power of tables. How Jesus used them to break barriers, build relationships, and reveal the kingdom of God. We are all really looking forward to diving into this, because it will challenge the way we see our own tables and the role they play in sharing the love of Jesus.
“There’s no better place to get to know someone than over a meal, no better place to dialogue and even disagree in love.” - John Mark Comer
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
• Why do you think Jesus chose meals as such a central way to teach, forgive, and connect with people?
• How can your own table - literal or figurative - become a place of welcome and transformation for others?
Join a Table this Fall.
September 7th is our first At the Table event. Find out more here - https://findthebridge.churchcenter.com/groups
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*Notes from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester