The Table

Matthew 26:17-30 (NIVUK) —

‘While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’

Food is one of my favourite things - I love to eat it, talk it and find new recipes to cook and enjoy. One of my favourite questions to ask people I meet is what is their signature dish? Recently I was invited to Orthodox Jewish Shabbat Dinner, designed for people who know little to nothing about what takes place during these meals. At least 40 of us crammed into a tiny room around fold-up tables. As the meal began, the first thing that happened was two massive loaves of bread were brought out and divided by the rabbis before being passed around and shared with everyone who was there; there was so much that we had multiple pieces. This was followed by the sharing of wine (grape juice) in which everyone took a drink.

I was struck by the similarities to our own communion and began to consider how this would have been a normal tradition, something that all the people around the table knew well and Jesus was able to take a simple meal starter and feed each person around the table while making it accessible to all who were to follow him. The breaking of bread and sharing of wine was the first element of the meal, leaving me with the thought that, before doing anything else, first and foremost I need to allow Jesus to feed me and quench my spiritual thirst.

Today, take some time to feed on the word of Jesus, to let the Spirit fill you and consider the things you sometimes put in first place before communing with him. 

Prayer – Father, fill me with your Spirit, teach me to trust you and show me where I tend to prioritise other things before you. Be with me today and fill me with your peace.