Mount Clinton Mennonite Church

"Thought for the Week"
(July 13, 2003)

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Inviting Others to Our Tables

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and "sinners?" --Matthew 9:10-11 (NIV)
Context: Matt. 9: 9-13 (NIV)

During Jesus' years of ministry, he often arranged the opportunity to share a meal at the table with an astonishing assortment of people. Friend and foe, society's respected and rejected--Jesus welcomed the opportunity to sit and eat and talk with everyone. Significant and life-changing conversations happened during those meals.

Andrew, an African church leader with whom I had the opportunity to share a home cooked meal, said it was the first time he had been invited to a meal in an American home. He had already experienced several extended periods of study in the United States.

I wonder if we in the church haven't overlooked a wonderful setting, found in each of our homes, in which to do ministry in the name of Jesus. An invitation to a meal at our table gives the gift of our time and hospitality and acceptance to that person. Perhaps one of the most significant places to be a missionary without leaving home is at the very place where we eat our daily bread.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us by your example how to give the gift of your love to others, as we give the gift of our time and hospitality and love, at the tables of our homes. Amen.

Lee Martin

Pastor: Lee Martin (email: mcmchurch@juno.com )
Editor: Richard Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu )
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Maintained by Richard L. Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu. Last modified: 13-Jul-03.