Breaking Chains While Breaking Bread
What do meals look like in your household? With whom and where do you eat? Surprisingly, meals are mentioned frequently in Scripture. Jesus dined with all kinds of people—some friends and other enemies. In fact, He was often criticized for His choice in dinner guests—prostitutes, tax collectors, sinners. Yet, Jesus had an uncanny way of Breaking Chains While Breaking Bread. Walls came down when He shared a meal. Barriers melted in the warmth and camaraderie of table fellowship.
Family Traditions
Years ago, when our kids were in elementary school, a neighbor boy joined us for supper. As we sat down at the table to eat, he asked, “Do you always do this?” At first, I wasn’t sure what he meant. But apparently, gathering around the table to eat was a new experience for him. In his home, everyone grabbed a plate of food from the kitchen and proceeded to the living room to watch TV. There was no interaction—no shared conversation—just the noise and glare from the TV screen.
How sad.
That small question from a child reminded me that gathering at the table is not just a family tradition. Breaking bread together is a sacred opportunity for connection.
Ministry at the Table
We often underestimate the importance of sharing a meal together. There’s something beautiful and intimate about it. We look one another in the eye. We listen, speak, and learn a little more about the person across from us.
In ancient Jewish culture, generosity and hospitality were highly valued virtues. Welcoming others to that table wasn’t an occasional gesture—it was a way of life.
We all know individuals who have the gift of hospitality. They open their homes with warmth and grace, making everyone feel seen and welcomed. But hospitality isn’t reserved for a chosen few. It’s an area that each of us can learn, practice, and grow in.
The Implications of Breaking Bread Together
The phrase breaking bread simply means eating a meal together.
However, in America, our eating habits reveal a hurried culture where meals are labeled as grab ‘n go, fast food, power lunches, or door dash. These phrases emphasis our need for speed, efficacy, and convenience.
What a contrast from Jesus’ day. He intentionally broke bread with others– creating space for conversation, laughter, and connection. Meals were communal moments—times to be nourished not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
Breaking Chains While Breaking Bread
Jesus understood that table fellowship had the power to dissolve walls of division.
Psalm 23:5a reminds us, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Jesus encourages us to welcome others to our table– both friend and stranger, the rich and the needy, those we agree with and those we don’t.
Is there someone you’ve kept at a distance—someone you’d rather avoid? Perhaps Jesus is inviting you and me to take a simple, practical step by Breaking Chains While Breaking Bread with them.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, some of Your examples are so practical! We all need to eat. We all enjoy a good meal. May my table be a place where walls come down and hearts open as we break bread together. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- How do you show hospitality to others?
- Share a time when a meal helped break down barriers.
- Who could you invite to your table soon?
Terry O'Neil
Maria,
We made it a point to always have dinner at the table and prayers said before eating. I hope that bears fruit someday. The current generation is really missing out on the essentials of gathering. I rarely see anyone pray at meals while out in public anymore, either.
Terry
Maria Whitrock
Terry: I think the simple practices of eating around a table and praying before a meal may have more influence on others than we ever know. Thank you for you and Joni’s example/faithfulness in this area!
karla larrabee
Contending-what a great specific focus reminder for the next several weeks-thank you!
Maria Whitrock
Yes–especially during the holidays!