Reclining with Jesus
Hello Saints,
I’ve had a few meals this weekend, more people eating than normal. As a host, one is usually frantically preparing the meal, or many people are, all trying to put the finishing touches on the food, all trying to be ready for the time designated for eating. In the course of saying grace before the meal, once everyone has gotten to the table, and the host has finally caught their breath from running around to meet the imaginary starting time, a prayer is offered which might include something like, “Lord be present at our table”. Since I’m the one who has most likely been frantically trying to get all the food to finish at the same time, I think to myself, do I really want another guest at the table…won’t that be more work!!!??? Yes…when it comes to making a meal for people, I am definitely a Martha and not a Mary (Luke 10).
In my studies this week, I kept coming across this term “reclining” whenever a meal was being taken. The word is used three times in the “Last Supper” scene of John 13. I’m sure most of us have our minds blazoned with the image of the Last Supper painted by Leonardo Da Vinci – 13 people sitting in a row at a long table. The reality is that this could not be further from the truth as to how 1st century Romans and Jews had meals together. The term “reclining” at the table paints a whole different picture of a relaxed, intimate, face to face experience. In Manners and Customs of the Bible by James M. Freeman, he describes a horseshoe of beds around a table in the center of that horseshoe, whereby everyone laid down, side by side, with their feet hanging over the edge of the bed, and their head over the other end whereby they could reach the food with their hands (they didn’t use utensils in those days). They just picked at the food in front of them, and if the food was gravy-like, as in a stew, they used bread to “sop” up their mouthful. When they were done eating, they would lay on one side and face each other for conversation. So picture a “seder” Passover meal spread out before them, multiple cups and dishes from which to eat and drink. And if you had servants, which many did, the servant would serve and clean up after each course. Now picture 12 guys laying on 3 large beds in a horseshoe with their feet hanging over the edge of the bed. Now picture Jesus walking around the outside of the horseshoe and washing each of their feet. Also picture how the woman could have walked into a meal in progress and found Jesus to be able to anoint His feet hanging over the edge of the bed. This method of eating was customary for many cultures throughout many centuries. Somehow, as time progressed, we got rid of this intimate, drawn out, relaxed setting and replaced it with a more sterile, less interactive faster meal.
Hospitality was a big thing in those days, as people sought places to lodge on their long journeys to different towns and regions. When you invited someone in to spend the night and have a meal, you got to know that person really well, as all of you laid/reclined around a table for a fellowship meal. Meals were not rushed as people frantically tried to prepare, serve and clean up. The guests were the focus, not the food. We are commanded to “practice hospitality” (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2). Having people into your home to share a meal together is one of the best ways to truly get to know neighbors and strangers, and is one of the best ways to introduce people to your faith in Christ, and your biblical worldview, as intimate, relaxed conversation and interaction takes place. And…most of all, a calm environment where true fellowship can happen is where Jesus wants to recline and do His work. So…I speak to myself and say, “slow down, and desire to spend time with people, not just put on a meal. I want to create a relaxed setting where people feel welcomed, but most of all, Jesus chooses to recline and do His work amongst people He brings into my path. My home is a ministry tool, to be used for Your glory and work, Lord. Come recline at my table.” Let's think about it.
Have a great week!
"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."
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