Eating with Our Neighbors
Table of Contents
Introduction: Blessing Our Neighbors
Food in the Ministry of Jesus
Matthew Eating with Jesus
What We Learn from Jesus and the Pharisees
How to Put It into Practice This Week
1. Introduction: Blessing Our Neighbors
In the past few weeks, we’ve learned that:
Everyone wants a friend (and Jesus was known as a friend of sinners).
God blesses us so we can be a blessing.
We should pray for specific people in our neighborhood or workplace.
Jesus teaches us to pay attention to the hearts of others.
Today, I want to talk about a very special… and very tasty… strategy: Eating with someone!
If you’re like me, this might just become your favorite part of the series.
2. Food in the Ministry of Jesus
A big part of Jesus’ ministry happened around a table:
His first miracle was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, turning water into wine (John 2:1–11).
He fed 5,000 people with just 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:13–21).
The night before His crucifixion, He shared a very special dinner with His disciples (Luke 22:14–20).
After His resurrection, He made breakfast on the beach (John 21:9–14).
Reflection: Think about the best moments with your family and friends…
There’s almost always food involved—birthdays, Christmas, BBQs, coffee times.
The table unites, relaxes, and opens hearts.
3. Matthew 9:9–11 — Matthew Eating with Jesus
Matthew, the tax collector, was seen as a traitor. But when Jesus called him, He didn’t send him to a Bible class… Jesus went to his house to share a meal with him.
At that table were other tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees were shocked and asked:
“Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Matthew felt the sting of that question more than anyone else—because it was personal and it happened in his home!
They were questioning his invitation, attacking his friends, and damaging his reputation even more.
4. Matthew 9:12–13 — What We Learn from Jesus and the Pharisees
The Pharisees wanted to obey the Law but separated themselves from people.
Jesus sought out broken people to love them and bring them to God.
When Jesus wanted to explain His death, He didn’t give a lecture… He gave a dinner.
His table was a place of grace, forgiveness, and blessing.
We can follow His example: use food to start conversations, strengthen friendships, and show the love of God.
5. How to Put It into Practice This Week
Here are three ways to start:
If you don’t know what to say: Ask about their life and listen.
If you don’t want to invite people into your home: Invite them for coffee or dessert at a nearby café.
If you think you don’t have time: Remember, you always eat—just invite someone to join you.
Isaiah 55:1–2 reminds us that God gives us spiritual food.
Final question: Who will you share a coffee or dinner with this week?
