A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table [Re: Lit]

“The meals of Jesus represent something bigger. They represent a new world, a new kingdom, a new outlook.”

Drawing from six narratives in the Gospel of Luke, Chester shows how meals can be opportunities for serving others. Meals have always been important across societies and cultures, a time for friends and families to come together. An important part of relationships, meals are vital to our social health. Chester sums it up: "Food connects."

Chester argues that meals are also deeply theological--an important part of Christian fellowship and mission. He observes that the book of Luke is full of stories of Jesus at meals. These accounts lay out biblical principles. Chester notes, "The meals of Jesus represent something bigger." Six chapters in A Meal with Jesus show how they enact grace, community, hope, mission, salvation, and promise.

Moving from biblical times to the modern world, Chester brings to light God’s purposes in the seemingly ordinary act of sharing a meal—how this everyday experience is really an opportunity for grace, community, and mission. Chester challenges contemporary understandings of hospitality as he urges us to evaluate why and who we invite to our table. Learn how you can foster grace and bless others through the rich fare being served in A Meal with Jesus.