TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
…and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with [Matthew and Jesus]. Luke 5:29b
Read: Luke 5:27-32
Listen: Luke 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Imagine sitting down to dinner with Jesus. As you eat together, his conversation opens your eyes to comprehend God’s forgiveness and grace. He laughs with you and freely offers love, understanding and friendship. A whole new life opens up to you just by sharing a meal with him.
As we begin the series Dinner with Jesus, we will see how Jesus intentionally uses meals for more than physical sustenance. Meals are natural God-given opportunities for fulfilling his purpose to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). As we journey through the Gospel of Luke, we will see how he uses mealtime to teach, guide and care for those willing to fellowship with him. There is room at his table for everyone—those who are seeking and those who have made mistakes and considered “bad company.”
Jesus shows us we may be missing significant opportunities to guide our friends and acquaintances toward his life-giving truth by not taking advantage of mealtimes. Pulling up a chair together over a simple meal can be life-changing.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Sharing a meal doesn’t need to be as complicated as we sometimes make it. Everyone needs to eat, and everyone enjoys an invitation even if it’s just for a burger or take-out pizza. Start thinking and praying about who you can invite to join you for a meal and some caring fellowship. Download the lock screen below.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
