Jesus

Dear Community Group Leaders,
Have you ever thought about Jesus’s habits of eating with others? Perhaps you’ve read the Gospels a
dozen times but never noticed how frequently our Lord sat down at the table with others.
He spent his time eating with sinners and tax collectors, with marginalized women, widows, and
children, and even with Pharisees and other religious leaders. In Luke’s gospel in particular, one
commentator notes, “Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.”
Why is this significant? As we’ll see throughout this short, four-week series, Jesus’s meals are
physical demonstrations of the grace he offers to the outsider.
We’ll look at four stories that illustrate the mission of Jesus—and how his meals played a role in the
restoration of men and women to God.
• Luke 7:36-50: Jesus’s Meals as Enacted Community
• Luke 14:1-14: Jesus’s Meals as Enacted Mission
• Luke 19:1-10: Jesus’s Meals as Enacted Grace
• Luke 22:7-20: Jesus’s Meals as Enacted Salvation
Throughout this series—which is conveniently during the laid-back weeks of summer—I want to
encourage you to… actually eat together. If you meet all four weeks, then share four dinners together! In
fact, if your whole group gathering time involves the preparation, presentation, consumption, and cleanup
of food: Great!
Indeed, this is a great month to invite outsiders to your group. What is an easier point of entry than a meal
with new friends? As you gather, prayer over the food with real thought: “Father, you loved us and sent
your Son to live and eat among us, so that we might enjoy meals with you forever. Thank you for Christ and
for this meal. Amen.”
I have written a short introduction to the meaning of Jesus’s meals, and as usual, there are more than
enough discussion questions. But remember: there’s freedom! Enjoy a meal, bless your friends, ask a few
thoughtful questions, and pray together for a deeper communion with God. Simple as that.
I hope you’re as excited about this series as I am! Enjoy the series and enjoy the summer.
Much Love,
Jeremy Linneman
Pastor of Community Life
jlinneman@sojournchurch.com