“For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” (Matthew 11:18-19 NLT)
When I was in college, I didn’t have two pennies to rub together, so I jumped at the chance to go to a friend’s for dinner. It was a young couple with a small child, and it quickly became apparent they were stretching to include me. The wife had fixed mac and cheese, which I loved, but there was only enough for me because they skimped on their portions. As poor as I was, I felt honored to have been invited. The Lord gave me insight into the power of the table through that sacred experience.
In the above verses the Pharisees were judging John the Baptist and Jesus for exact opposite reasons. In the verses just preceding these Jesus compares them with children playing who couldn’t agree even on how to play together.
In the context of the power of the table, it reminds me of how distracting Satan can be to us when we’re seeking to do God’s will. We get entangled in the details rather than seeing the “big picture.” Some who read yesterday’s post may be in a quandary trying to decide: “Should we invite __________ over or take them to a restaurant? Oh my, what would I serve? Oh my, where would we go?” And my response would be – it doesn’t really matter! YOU are the draw, not your food or the restaurant.
Jesus summarized the scenario above in the last sentence: “But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” William Barclay wrote: “The Jews might criticize John for his lonely isolation, but John had moved men’s hearts to God as they had not been moved for centuries; the Jews might criticize Jesus for mixing too much in ordinary life and with ordinary people, but in him people were finding a new life and a new goodness and a new power to live as they ought and a new access to God..” (Barclay, W., ed. (1976). The Gospel of Matthew (Vol. 2, p. 10). The Westminster John Knox Press).
Since we’re talking about food and how it can aid us in moving people closer to God, it’s appropriate to say: “The proof is in the pudding!” If the Lord prompts you to invite 10 people to a brunch at your house or a thousand people to a celebration in a public facility, that’s between you and the Lord. The event isn’t the issue, your openness to the Lord’s directives and the effectiveness of whatever you do on the lives of lost people is.
C.S. Lewis wrote: “I need Christ, not something that resembles Him.” Those who don’t yet know Jesus aren’t looking for a “show” from us, they want what’s real, authentic, something that’s God-inspired, that paints a clear picture of who God is and why they so desperately need Him. You don’t have to chase the extravagant, open your heart to what’s simple, but thoughtfully prepared and shows whoever you’re seeking to reach, a clear portrait of the heart of God.
The power of the table isn’t found in the table itself; it’s revealed in and through the hearts of the people around the table. It can be as simple as mac and cheese in a very humble setting, or grilling dinner in a yard overlooking the city. Just make sure Jesus is invited and He gets the chair at the head of the table.
It’s all and only about Him and what can be accomplished in the lives of those who are seeking Him. Live well. Love well. And He will honor your efforts to reach those in your spheres of influence.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 