Tables
Why Tables?
Meals and tables play a significant part in Scripture.
Bread was not only a major part of Israel’s diet, but a reminder of who God was and what God had done. Meals were also a time to remember and celebrate the LORD as well as gather as a community.
Unleavened bread was served at the Passover meal. God rained manna from the Heavens to provide needed nourishment for Israel. The Bread of the Presence sat on a table in the Temple as a sacrifice and a reminder of God’s continuous presence with his people.
Jesus shared many meals with people in the Gospels. He fed 5,000 with just a few loaves of bread and fish. He often was found reclining at a table with tax collectors and sinners. He ate with his good friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.
He also shared numerous meals with his disciples including the Last Supper on the evening before the crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as He declared, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (ESV)
NT Wright has observed, “When Jesus himself wanted to explain to his disciples what his forthcoming death was all about, he didn’t give them a theory, he gave them a meal.”
After the Resurrection, Jesus broke bread with a few of his disciples as he explained how the entire Old Testament was pointed to him. In the final chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus shares breakfast with his disciples as he instructs Peter, “Feed my sheep!”
Tim Chester has pointed out, “In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.”
In Acts 2, we find the early church “day by day,” gathering together to break bread in their homes.
Meals are significant in Scripture. Gathering together at a table to share a meal is significant in Scripture.
But it was not just the meal or the table that made these gatherings significant.
Continuing with Acts 2:42-47:
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV)
These gatherings provided more than nourishment. There were times when the people of God gathered to celebrate the very real presence of God in their lives. These were times when they studied the teachings of the Apostles, partook in the Lord’s Supper, lifted their voices in prayer to the One True God. These were the times when they worshiped together and witnessed and proclaimed the wonders of the Lord. These were the times when they built each other up in love and care for each other’s needs. These were the times when they tangibly felt the love, grace, mercy, and kindness of the Lord as he blessed them and multiplied them. These were the times when the people of God lived lives together as the people of God.
We all desire the fellowship of believers that is detailed in Acts 2. We believe that this type of fellowship is where God is leading us now. And we believe that this happens most naturally around a table.
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Tables:
Are hosted in homes or at The Vine Fellowship and consist of 8-12 adults (children are encouraged to attend and participate as well).
Meet weekly or bi-weekly.
Are centered around the table. This may be a full meal such as breakfast/lunch/dinner or may be snacks or dessert. We leave the meal/food up to the individual group but each group should have some type of meal at each gathering.
Have a dedicated time to share from the previous week’ Bible reading. Find out more about that here.
Have a dedicated time of prayer with and for each other.
Are encouraged to include some type of mission project or ministry to serve our larger community.