At the Table

When the hour came, he reclined at the table, and the apostles with him. Luke 22:14

Over thirty years ago, I purchased my first house as a single man and did not own much furniture. My grandmother gifted me her golden oak, five-legged dining table, which had belonged to her grandmother. It had been passed down from her grandmother to her mother, to her, and then to me. 

I have treasured the table all these years and have eaten many meals on it myself with my family. I recently reminisced about the many meals I ate around this table when I went to my grandparents' for holidays, special occasions, or to spend the night. I can still see my grandmother rolling and cutting homemade biscuits on the table before popping them in the oven. I wonder how many meals were shared around that table with family members and friends, many of whom I never met. 

Psalm 23:5 portrays God as a generous and capable Host who prepares a table and a feast for us, not only in His presence but in the presence of our enemies. God is a hospitable and loving God. His table is one of peace, provision, and protection. If God hosts us this way, mealtimes can become a way for us to reflect His character. We can invite others to the table.

In Bible times, meals carried deep cultural, social, and spiritual significance beyond just eating. Sharing a meal was a way to establish and deepen relationships with others and God. Engaging in conversations about faith, teachings, and community issues during meals was common. Sharing food fostered connection, love, and unity. 

How do your meals with your friends, family, and co-workers compare? What might result if you began to view mealtime in this way?

Jesus spent much time around a table having a meal with others, whether it was His close-knit inner circle of disciples or tax collectors and sinners. He used meals as settings for teaching, healing, and breaking social norms.

Read John 21:12-14. Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection.  He met them on the beach where they had been fishing without much success. He performed a miracle, which resulted in lots of fish being caught. He then invited the disciples to eat with Him. The disciples' relationship with Jesus was restored and strengthened. It was far more than a meal.

Another meal that Jesus had with His disciples is probably more familiar: the last supper before His crucifixion on the cross. Jesus could have done lots of things that evening, but He chose to spend time with His disciples and partake of the Passover meal with them. 

I can’t help but think about all of those church-wide potlucks I attended growing up around holidays, revivals, or other special occasions. There was fried chicken, casseroles, and tons of delicious desserts. But it did not stop with the food. The fellowship and community were vital to my upbringing.  

In ‘Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table,’ Louie Giglio warns us not to allow Satan a place at our table. He seeks to influence our minds with destructive thoughts, leading to feelings of fear, insecurity, and negativity. We must not let him sneak in and have any part of it. He is an unwelcome guest. 

Today, every meal is an opportunity to nourish our bodies and build community. Enjoying a meal with others is a practice in presence. Slowing down during meals allows us to invest in and build community, unity, and fellowship. Who might God be asking you to welcome to your table?

Call to Action

If you are not currently having family meals, make this a priority. Start with a small goal of once or twice a week. 

Invite someone to a meal or to grab coffee to get to know them better, or to reconnect. 

During meals, no matter who is at the table, engage in conversation with thought-provoking questions and even questions with spiritual depth. 

Sponsor a potluck with friends, neighbors, or your small group at church and practice some of what Jesus taught us with His example. 

Digging Deeper

Read these verses referring to eating meals with others: Acts 2:42-27 (the early church), Exodus 12 (the first Passover), John 6:1-13 (the feeding of the 5000), Luke 5:27–32 and Luke 15:1–2 (Jesus eating with sinners), and Luke 10:38–42 and John 12:1–2 (Mary, Martha, and Lazarus hosting Jesus).

Prayer

Lord, thank You for my place at Your table and the gift of food and fellowship. Help me to see my table as a place of fellowship and grace, where love is shared and hearts are fed. Teach me to welcome others as You have welcomed me. Amen.

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens