Tim Chester recently released, A Meal With Jesus. The Good Book Blog interviews Andy Kinnaird to see what he thinks about this latest book from IVP...
There's no doubting that Christians like their food, there are acres of it at every church event! But why do we need a book about it?
We need to be reminded how important it is to eat together. Not just occasional meals with close friends but the fact it is important to develop a culture of being regularly hospitable. More importantly we need to see how Jesus used meals to bring people to himself.
What’s so special about sharing a meal?
Eating together is a relational experience. There’s something about a relaxed meal that enables people to be themselves. That deepens our relationships with each other. And when we know each other better we can then serve the each other’s practical and spiritual needs in a much greater way.
So, eating together is both a faith-deepening and a mission-enhancing activity? Can you explain more of what Tim Chester says about that?
Tim takes six meal-based passages from Luke’s gospel and shows us how grace, community and mission are tied up in the simple task of eating meals together. He takes clear steps in each chapter to show how the simple act of a meal paves way for the gospel to be seen, in both the way life is lived and what is said. The clearest presentation of this is in the fifth chapter of the book where he takes us to the Lord’s Supper. Here we are shown how Jesus takes a meal and powerfully roots the reason for his mission in every day life.
That sounds quite deep! Is the book a difficult read?
Not at all! It’s one of those books that it is more difficult to put down than it is to read! One of Tim’s great strengths is his ability to take passages and bring them alive in a clear, accessible way. His passion for people and sharing the gospel through everyday life is incredibly infectious.
What impact do you think it would have on the church if we all took this call to hospitality more seriously?
Acts 2 clearly shows the early church’s commitment to being community. They were keen to serve each other with what they had and break bread together to show their unity in Christ. If this becomes our heart, then the church will be a far more open place with no-one at the margins because we’d be including each other in our lives. The church would also be far less individuality, reflecting more of the Bible and less the culture around us.
So are you up for being part of that change? ... I know of one person who completely rearranged their living room as a result of reading this book! What practical difference has it made to your life and ministry?
I’m definitely up for being part of that change. I’m trying to see myself as less of an individual and more as part of a community of believers. I have a heart to involve people in the meals I enjoy, especially people who I don’t know as well or who don’t feel part of the community yet. So now, on a Sunday, my wife and I try to cook more than we will need with the intention of inviting people from church. I see that as the start of being relational with brothers and sisters I don’t yet know.
If you’re interested in reading this excellent book too … check back later for a great blog deal!
