TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. Luke 5:29
Read: Luke 5:29
Listen: Luke 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
In A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table, Tim Chester says, “Jesus’ mission strategy was a long meal, stretching into the evening. He did evangelism and discipleship around a table with some grilled fish, a loaf of bread, and a pitcher of wine.”
Jesus’ strategy was very simple and extremely effective. Eat and fellowship with people, who are seeking God or fallen away, with a view toward progress. Jesus makes dinner be about relationship-building, not about the meal itself. In his Gospel, Luke describes eight meals Jesus uses to reach those who are lost. It’s an uncomplicated strategy that often gets overlooked.
Pastor Jeff Manion says, “If you are wondering how to talk to others about Jesus, invite them for a meal and just do burgers and paper plates.” Keep it simple and easy. When it gets complicated—it gets procrastinated. If you make a big fancy meal, your guest might be unable to reciprocate. Watch the video clip below as Pastor Jeff Manion explains the power of a shared meal.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
If you love Jesus but struggle with the mechanics of talking about him, share some food. Invite someone over for hamburgers, lunch at the school cafeteria, or for a “bite” on the way home from work. Remember to offer your time to the Lord and to keep it simple. Just “burgers and paper plates.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
