Jesus enjoyed mealtime – whether by the sea or in a friend’s home.
“Come in for a bite,” Lazarus must have said to his Friend. So when Jesus passed through Bethany, He made Himself right at home with that bachelor and his two spinster sisters, Mary and Martha.
What I get the biggest kick out of is when Jesus had breakfast with the boys on the beach after His resurrection. Buns, honey and fish composed the menu. A Hollywood type would have come upon special effects far more grandiose than that when popping off a tomb slab. Not Jesus. He simply stayed in character – plain and simple does it – quite well, thank you.
One evening Jesus was seated at a table with some friends when a woman came to wipe His feet with her tears. He had forgiven her of many sins. Therefore, she thanked Him for his mercy by kind gestures.
In that part of the world, people wore sandals. Therefore, when they entered homes, wash pots were available for refreshing travelers’ feet. But it was truly something rare when a fellow’s feet were bathed with repentant tears.
Naturally, the feast that we recall most appreciatively is the Last Supper. There Jesus spoke of His approaching death. He also sought to prepare compassionately His comrades for the awful scenes soon to be unloaded on their hearts.
Hank Groves, a member of the church I pastor here in Windham, is “right in there with Jesus” when it comes to circling a table with friends. His hospitality quotient ranks way up there. In fact, Hank’s sociable forte is preparing his dining room graciously for Sunday noon guests.
The world is beside itself with troubles. The headlines plead for our attention. We go back and forth with one opinion or another – political and otherwise. But where we miss out is in taking time for mealtimes with Jesus. He’s at the table, waiting. We are busy with our fears, worrying. Jesus is resting, wanting to attend to our restfulness. Will we meet Him there?
“I’ve got it all set up,” Hank will welcome as he places chairs around a couple of tables. His wife, Mary, has prepared their own potluck luscious dish. Beverages are readied, along with cutlery, plates and napkins. Those walking through their front door bring their own yummy concoctions to add to the partaking.
Once a month, the Groves’ home is open to Lakes Region friends who like to sit and rest awhile with believing friends rather than going home to eat alone. Quite novel. And very pleasant.
“It’s in the tradition of Jesus,” a friend of mine remarked the other day when leaving Hank’s place. Of course, he’s right. Hank and Mary have opened up their hearth by expanding the Spirit of Jesus-fellowship on the Lord’s Day. “I like to focus friends’ hearts on Jesus’ comfort and away from the fretting of this world,” Hank invites softly.
“What I truly appreciate about Hank is that he’s always upbeat,” another friend mentioned. “One can count on his consistency. He’s happily predictable. What you get is a smiling face and open heart.”
Hank’s always looking for some way to help someone else – whether at 55-Plus where he works weekdays or in worship on Sundays.
If you need your car fixed, Hank will try to fix it. If you need a shelf built, Hank will try to build it. If you need a helping hand to unload a truckload of goods, Hank will offer. He’s one of those server-givers for Jesus. That kind of person not only helps make the world go ’round but also helps the eternal kingdom grow in warmth and goodness.
“I love Jesus more than life,” Hank witnesses. No doubt in that is his secret for how he lives and what he does. May his numbers increase.
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