Jesus and his disciples lived together, worked together, ministered together, traveled together, and broke bread together! Sharing a meal or “breaking bread” was an integral part of their relationship, creating bonds of brotherhood and deep connection.
Jesus chose this coming to the table, the taking of wine and the breaking of bread as a way for us to remember that His death and resurrection would be the once-and-for-all fulfillment of the law, as He, Himself, became the sacrificial atonement for the sins of man.
Breaking the bread literally means “becoming one body in Christ”. It represents an unbreakable family bond, not just with God, but also with one another.
I believe God is calling us to this practice now more than ever. He intends for us to walk closely with Him and with each other. It’s called fellowship and it is best forged around tables.
Tables are places of intentional exchange that foster deep connection – positive or negative. It all depends on the words we use. You see, there’s a difference between “chewing the fat” and breaking bread.
“Chewing the fat” first appeared in a book written in 1885 called, “Life in the Ranks of the British Army in India,” and refers to general complaining, grumbling, and the bending of the ears of the Junior Officers to stave off boredom. It usually includes casual, unrestrained, unfounded conversations about others.
Breaking bread is something altogether different. When we open our homes and share our tables, there is an opportunity for true fellowship – discipleship, encouragement, spurring, burden-bearing, honesty, transparency, and healing!
Your kitchen table has the potential to lead your family and others closer to God. Get out of your comfort zone – invite someone to break bread at your table and let your conversation be purposeful for God’s honor and glory!
By: Kristine Morgan
~Christ Fellowship