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Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study
The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus sharing meals with disciples, friends, even tax collectors and Pharisees. Whether multiplying bread to feed a whole crowd, relaxing with his inner circle, or telling curious elites stories about even greater banquets, Jesus imparts wisdom as he shares the wine and grants forgiveness as he distributes the fish. This eight-chapter resource provides biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom should we invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. Illustrations by artist Kevin Burns complement each chapter and invite further meditation on the Gospel story and its meaning for our lives. Each chapter includes questions for small group discussion or personal reflection. A guide for church leaders offers suggestions for preaching this book as a sermon series and incorporating food-related outreach and hospitality efforts.
- GenresReligion
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2023
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January 24, 2023
The Table plays a central role in the Christian story. It is the locus of one of two sacraments agreed upon by almost the entire Christian community. We celebrate the Eucharist/Holy Communion/Lord's Supper to remember and celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What we call the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper as a remembrance, is rooted in Jesus' larger Table fellowship. So, it's worth exploring how Jesus shared the table, not just on the night prior to his death but throughout his ministry. What better season to do so than Lent?
"Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study" was written by Cynthia Campbell, former President of McCormick Theological Seminary, and Christine Coy Fohr, pastor of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in Louisville. They were joined by the late Kevin Burns, who provided artwork and reflections to accompany the reflections offered by Campbell and Fohr.
Lent is a season of reflection and preparation for the coming of Good Friday and Easter. As such it essentially moves toward its culmination on Maundy Thursday. Many congregations and individuals use this time for devotional reading and study groups. This particular book is designed to assist in that purpose. Some Lenten materials are designed for daily reflection, but this book is designed for weekly study and reflection. There is a "Guide for Church Leaders" at the end of the book that provides guidance on setting up study groups and designing preaching series focused on the texts and reflections in the book, as well as hospitality and outreach suggestions.
The authors provide us with eight reflections, each about six pages in length, that take us through Lent to Easter Sunday, the final chapter. They draw texts from all four gospels, inviting us to consider Jesus' feeding of the multitude, eating with tax collectors and sinners, a dinner interruption (Luke's story of the woman who broke into the dinner party and anointed Jesus' feet), Jesus' instructions about who to invite to the Table, filling seats at the Table when the invited guests don't show up; a meal with friends (Mary, Martha, & Lazarus in John); what the authors call "not the Last Supper" (Matthew's version of the "Last Supper"); and finally, the Easter encounter on the road to Emmaus. Each of these chapters includes a series of questions for reflection and discussion, as well as the illustrations and the artist's reflections.
The authors remind us that while the New Testament doesn't tell us very much about how the Lord's Supper was observed in the early church, stories about dining together are found everywhere in the New Testament. Thus, they write in the introduction that "in this study, we invite you to explore some of the stories about Jesus and tables, and through them, to reflect on how tables shape our identity as followers of Christ" (p. xi). They acknowledge that there is no agreement as to who is welcome at the Lord's Table in our contemporary churches. They leave that discussion up to others (something I am working on in my own writing projects), but these reflections raise enough questions that it might come up in conversation!
Since I believe that the Lord's Table is central to our life together as Christians, I believe it's important to have conversations around the subject. Since Jesus' own practices and teachings touch on these matters, it's important that spend time with these texts, especially passages from the Gospels. For that, we can be thankful for this Lenten study.
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone considering how to approach Lent. If not this year, surely it should be put on the front burner for the following year! In the meantime, it will do the heart and the spirit good to reflect on these readings.
"Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study" was written by Cynthia Campbell, former President of McCormick Theological Seminary, and Christine Coy Fohr, pastor of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in Louisville. They were joined by the late Kevin Burns, who provided artwork and reflections to accompany the reflections offered by Campbell and Fohr.
Lent is a season of reflection and preparation for the coming of Good Friday and Easter. As such it essentially moves toward its culmination on Maundy Thursday. Many congregations and individuals use this time for devotional reading and study groups. This particular book is designed to assist in that purpose. Some Lenten materials are designed for daily reflection, but this book is designed for weekly study and reflection. There is a "Guide for Church Leaders" at the end of the book that provides guidance on setting up study groups and designing preaching series focused on the texts and reflections in the book, as well as hospitality and outreach suggestions.
The authors provide us with eight reflections, each about six pages in length, that take us through Lent to Easter Sunday, the final chapter. They draw texts from all four gospels, inviting us to consider Jesus' feeding of the multitude, eating with tax collectors and sinners, a dinner interruption (Luke's story of the woman who broke into the dinner party and anointed Jesus' feet), Jesus' instructions about who to invite to the Table, filling seats at the Table when the invited guests don't show up; a meal with friends (Mary, Martha, & Lazarus in John); what the authors call "not the Last Supper" (Matthew's version of the "Last Supper"); and finally, the Easter encounter on the road to Emmaus. Each of these chapters includes a series of questions for reflection and discussion, as well as the illustrations and the artist's reflections.
The authors remind us that while the New Testament doesn't tell us very much about how the Lord's Supper was observed in the early church, stories about dining together are found everywhere in the New Testament. Thus, they write in the introduction that "in this study, we invite you to explore some of the stories about Jesus and tables, and through them, to reflect on how tables shape our identity as followers of Christ" (p. xi). They acknowledge that there is no agreement as to who is welcome at the Lord's Table in our contemporary churches. They leave that discussion up to others (something I am working on in my own writing projects), but these reflections raise enough questions that it might come up in conversation!
Since I believe that the Lord's Table is central to our life together as Christians, I believe it's important to have conversations around the subject. Since Jesus' own practices and teachings touch on these matters, it's important that spend time with these texts, especially passages from the Gospels. For that, we can be thankful for this Lenten study.
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone considering how to approach Lent. If not this year, surely it should be put on the front burner for the following year! In the meantime, it will do the heart and the spirit good to reflect on these readings.
March 22, 2023
Food is a significant part of any community both at home and outside the home. The Bible too has lots of references to meals, food, and feasts. There are food laws in the Torah. Throughout the Old Testament, we read instances of people needing food, like the famine in Egypt; the hungry and thirsty Israelites in the wilderness; the test of Daniel and his friends who opted for vegetarian food as their act of faith; how God fed Elijah; the feasts of kings; and so on. The need to eat continues to be a key thing in the New Testament. The gospels, especially the gospel of John use special feasts as a way to date the interactions of Jesus with the people. For Christians, the highlight of the Christian meal is none other than the Holy Eucharist or the Lord's Table. The Lord's Table is a symbol of love, hospitality, openness, and welcome. Combing the gospels for instances of meals with Jesus, authors Cynthia Campbell and Christine Coy Fohr lead us through the different aspects of spirituality over the table. The intent of this book is to help us ponder what it means to be disciples of Christ, and what it means to be nourished body-wise and soul-wise. Food not only sustains us. It is an opportunity to cultivate relationships of all sorts. Eating together also provides teachable moments to learn spiritual lessons. In this Lenten Study, readers get to explore eight broad themes using food as a key to unlock these lessons. The authors have also engaged the input of illustrator Kevin Burns to use visual aids to invite further reflection on the past, conversation about the present, and application for the future. Each chapter helps us relate to the Season of Lent, to point us to the direction of meeting our needs in Christ alone.
The first chapter is about the feeding of the multitude where the authors link hunger with hope. Jesus fed the five thousand with a miraculous multiplication of a few fish and loaves of bread. The providence of food in the feeding of the thousands is a reminder to us about the importance of the Giver rather than the gifts. The scarcity of food is a real problem today. Covid has led to widespread distribution challenges, leading to the imbalance of the global food supply. Jesus' intent is for us to learn to share generously. The second chapter revolves around Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors. It shows us a biblical basis for inclusiveness. Jesus didn't just eat with people he liked, he ate with everyone, especially the despised in society. We need to learn and practice the grace of hospitality to everyone, regardless of their rank or status in society. Chapter three shows us how we need to discern moments of interruptions even in our routines. Taking a leaf from the story of Mary resting at the feet of Jesus, we are reminded that in the busyness of life, we are prone to behave like Martha who fails to discern the priorities necessary in life. Chapter Four looks at relationships and reciprocity at the table. The authors observe how many modern home designs come without a dining room altogether. Is this a reflection of a more individualistic society? How do we move from "transactional" relationships to one that is transformative? Be careful to invite people to the table for the right motives. Chapter five deals with the "excuses and invitations" we get from time to time from people who seem too preoccupied with their own lives. Will we do the same to excuse ourselves when God the Father hosts the heavenly banquet? In chapter six, we learn about the place of hospitality and discipleship. It is essentially about serving one another. What do we do or talk about over a meal? Chapter seven shows us one precious tip: Share our memories. Use these moments to share precious memories that people at the table will cherish for many years to come. Jesus shared his deepest desires over the Last Supper. This has been repeated over the Holy Communion ritual worldwide. Chapter eight then takes us to the highlight of Easter, where we learn the essence of Christianity to break bread together as a community and to drink wine together with thanksgiving in our hearts. We eat and drink in the hope of seeing Christ again.
My Thoughts
===============
Food is celebrated throughout the world. From the different cultural takes on the most basic of ingredients, we celebrate what it means to be human. We celebrate the presence of family and friends. We celebrate by inviting others in to share a meal, to break the ice of loneliness so that we can build a better society that cares and shares. This world is broken in many ways. With the common need for food and family togetherness, why not use food as a way to mend ties? This is what this book is encouraging us to do, both physically and spiritually. The authors leave no stone unturned when dealing with the place, the setting, the invitations, and the lessons behind the basic meal. From alfresco dining out in the open to intimate dinner settings at the dinner table, there are many lessons that we can learn. All of them have one basic thing in common: Relationships both private and public. Let me share three reflections on the book. First, the book shows us the powerful practice of eating together. If there is any one thing that can guide us toward peace, it would be learning to have meals together. In the Middle East, it has been said that the first cup of tea we share as strangers; the second cup we share as honoured guests; but the third cup we share makes us family. We might argue about the numbers but the direction of intimacy is clear: The more we eat together, the better our relationships. Sadly, more people in developed countries are letting convenience dominate the need to build community. They eat at their own convenience instead of waiting for one another. They eat alone instead of together with friends or loved ones. They are so busy that eating becomes merely a mundane ritual. Perhaps, that is why many communities around the world are fractured.
Second, the authors help us connect the normal meal with the holy meal. Sometimes, Christians let their spirituality start and end with the saying of grace before the meal. That should not be so. Eating a meal together should spark interesting conversations both of this world and of the world that is to come. That does not mean we talk heavenly language every time we eat together. It simply means we learn to connect both physical and spiritual lives naturally. We cannot separate the two as if the secular world is devoid of spirituality, and vice versa. The discussion questions and the illustrations in this book provide excellent resources to help us do just that.
Finally, no matter how full they are, people who love desserts will be quick to add: "There is always room for desserts." Taking a leaf from this trend of thought, if we love people, at every meal we will always say, "There is always room for people at the table." That is the best thing we can take away from the reading of this book. Make room for people at the table. Make room for people in our invitations to meals. Make room for people in our hearts. As we enlarge our hearts of hospitality, we learn to serve like Jesus, and to love one another just like Jesus did. Let this book help us see the ordinary meal as an opportunity to be thankful, to celebrate what it means to be human, and to serve one another.
Cynthia Campbell is former president of McCormick Seminary and retired pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Christine Fohr is pastor of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kevin Burns (1967-2022) was an architect and ruling elder at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He spent years teaching Bible survey courses to middle school students (and their parents).
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
The first chapter is about the feeding of the multitude where the authors link hunger with hope. Jesus fed the five thousand with a miraculous multiplication of a few fish and loaves of bread. The providence of food in the feeding of the thousands is a reminder to us about the importance of the Giver rather than the gifts. The scarcity of food is a real problem today. Covid has led to widespread distribution challenges, leading to the imbalance of the global food supply. Jesus' intent is for us to learn to share generously. The second chapter revolves around Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors. It shows us a biblical basis for inclusiveness. Jesus didn't just eat with people he liked, he ate with everyone, especially the despised in society. We need to learn and practice the grace of hospitality to everyone, regardless of their rank or status in society. Chapter three shows us how we need to discern moments of interruptions even in our routines. Taking a leaf from the story of Mary resting at the feet of Jesus, we are reminded that in the busyness of life, we are prone to behave like Martha who fails to discern the priorities necessary in life. Chapter Four looks at relationships and reciprocity at the table. The authors observe how many modern home designs come without a dining room altogether. Is this a reflection of a more individualistic society? How do we move from "transactional" relationships to one that is transformative? Be careful to invite people to the table for the right motives. Chapter five deals with the "excuses and invitations" we get from time to time from people who seem too preoccupied with their own lives. Will we do the same to excuse ourselves when God the Father hosts the heavenly banquet? In chapter six, we learn about the place of hospitality and discipleship. It is essentially about serving one another. What do we do or talk about over a meal? Chapter seven shows us one precious tip: Share our memories. Use these moments to share precious memories that people at the table will cherish for many years to come. Jesus shared his deepest desires over the Last Supper. This has been repeated over the Holy Communion ritual worldwide. Chapter eight then takes us to the highlight of Easter, where we learn the essence of Christianity to break bread together as a community and to drink wine together with thanksgiving in our hearts. We eat and drink in the hope of seeing Christ again.
My Thoughts
===============
Food is celebrated throughout the world. From the different cultural takes on the most basic of ingredients, we celebrate what it means to be human. We celebrate the presence of family and friends. We celebrate by inviting others in to share a meal, to break the ice of loneliness so that we can build a better society that cares and shares. This world is broken in many ways. With the common need for food and family togetherness, why not use food as a way to mend ties? This is what this book is encouraging us to do, both physically and spiritually. The authors leave no stone unturned when dealing with the place, the setting, the invitations, and the lessons behind the basic meal. From alfresco dining out in the open to intimate dinner settings at the dinner table, there are many lessons that we can learn. All of them have one basic thing in common: Relationships both private and public. Let me share three reflections on the book. First, the book shows us the powerful practice of eating together. If there is any one thing that can guide us toward peace, it would be learning to have meals together. In the Middle East, it has been said that the first cup of tea we share as strangers; the second cup we share as honoured guests; but the third cup we share makes us family. We might argue about the numbers but the direction of intimacy is clear: The more we eat together, the better our relationships. Sadly, more people in developed countries are letting convenience dominate the need to build community. They eat at their own convenience instead of waiting for one another. They eat alone instead of together with friends or loved ones. They are so busy that eating becomes merely a mundane ritual. Perhaps, that is why many communities around the world are fractured.
Second, the authors help us connect the normal meal with the holy meal. Sometimes, Christians let their spirituality start and end with the saying of grace before the meal. That should not be so. Eating a meal together should spark interesting conversations both of this world and of the world that is to come. That does not mean we talk heavenly language every time we eat together. It simply means we learn to connect both physical and spiritual lives naturally. We cannot separate the two as if the secular world is devoid of spirituality, and vice versa. The discussion questions and the illustrations in this book provide excellent resources to help us do just that.
Finally, no matter how full they are, people who love desserts will be quick to add: "There is always room for desserts." Taking a leaf from this trend of thought, if we love people, at every meal we will always say, "There is always room for people at the table." That is the best thing we can take away from the reading of this book. Make room for people at the table. Make room for people in our invitations to meals. Make room for people in our hearts. As we enlarge our hearts of hospitality, we learn to serve like Jesus, and to love one another just like Jesus did. Let this book help us see the ordinary meal as an opportunity to be thankful, to celebrate what it means to be human, and to serve one another.
Cynthia Campbell is former president of McCormick Seminary and retired pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Christine Fohr is pastor of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kevin Burns (1967-2022) was an architect and ruling elder at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He spent years teaching Bible survey courses to middle school students (and their parents).
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
March 26, 2024
My church used this book for their Bible study during the Lenten season. I enjoyed the small chapters as it gave me time to meditate on the dramatic events in the life of Jesus leading up to his resurrection following his crucifixion. In addition, I appreciated the wonderful illustrations throughout the book. Finally, I learned something new about my Presbyterian religion:
"Even as late as the early 19th century, some Presbyterian churches issued "communion tokens" to members who had been judged by the pastor or elders to be sufficiently "prepared," morally and spiritually, to participate. This practice died out as the understanding of the Lord's Supper shifted from a privilege to be earned to God's gift freely given to all."
"Even as late as the early 19th century, some Presbyterian churches issued "communion tokens" to members who had been judged by the pastor or elders to be sufficiently "prepared," morally and spiritually, to participate. This practice died out as the understanding of the Lord's Supper shifted from a privilege to be earned to God's gift freely given to all."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
A lovely Lenten study, which my congregation will be using in 2023.
April 10, 2023
A very good little book for Lent
May 1, 2023
Read for Growth Group discussion. Format is nice. Good discussion came from it. 4/23
March 10, 2023
As a minister in a congregation that has identified feeding others as a primary focus for the parish's work in the community, this book was certainly appealing. I appreciated the straightforward presentation, the clear theological prodding, and good biblical background. The illustrations provided a good starting point for entering each chapter; in a congregational setting, I would look for other artwork to augment the engagement with art.
I was grateful for the authors' intentionality in naming covid as a complicating factor. I expect we'll be unspooling the effects of covid on our communal practices and human longings for quite some time.
I felt disappointed at the dearth of mentions of racism, sexism, and other forms of hatred towards people with marginalized sexual and gender identities. I will build out the discussion to name those places where these evils arise, both in the scripture discussion and in application to our current time.
Overall, this is a really strong addition to a parish formation program! Many thanks to NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press for a free copy for review.
I was grateful for the authors' intentionality in naming covid as a complicating factor. I expect we'll be unspooling the effects of covid on our communal practices and human longings for quite some time.
I felt disappointed at the dearth of mentions of racism, sexism, and other forms of hatred towards people with marginalized sexual and gender identities. I will build out the discussion to name those places where these evils arise, both in the scripture discussion and in application to our current time.
Overall, this is a really strong addition to a parish formation program! Many thanks to NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press for a free copy for review.
January 24, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and WJK for an Arc in exchange for an honest review! I tore through this Lenten study but rest assured my family and I will be taking our time to go through again for our fast. While I’m not a Presbyterian or even necessarily a Calvinist, the inclusion of not only all Jesus followers, but also those whom the church has in the past rejected or exiled, and inviting them all to the table of grace, makes this a lovely Lenten study I think any preacher or small group leader could draw from. Food is a part of life, and so is community. It can be difficult with personal dietary restrictions and disabilities but also so rewarding.
June 3, 2023
This is a nice Lenten Study although we chose to do it following Easter. The chapters are short and with a small class, there were times when we didn't think we had much to talk about. I suspect it would not have been an issue with a larger group. That said, it is also an ideal self-study with thoughtful, reflective questions at the end of each chapter. The questions would be suitable for journaling.
May 25, 2023
I found this book to be a refreshing devotional to share at our table. The reflections that the author provide are jumping off points for discussion and good conversation. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2024
What a beautiful surprise I found in this book. Someone was leading a Lenten class on it, and I picked it up as an easy, quick and inspirational read. That it was. Very simple stories and retelling of certain events in the life of Jesus which speak to loving our neighbors actively not just passively. Challenged my faith to new ways to love those around me.
April 18, 2025
A super quick read. Our church did it as a Lenten Study. It was very appropriate for our times, deciding who we would invite to the table, how we will follow the teachings of Jesus and how to love our neighbor as ourself.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews