On Resurrection Sunday, we visit two Post resurrection narratives that both involve Jesus eating with disciples. At one meal, eyes were opened. At another meal, minds were opened. How ill Christ’s resurrection open our eyes and minds to venture boldly in the 21st century?

One would imagine that some of the most intimate moments were those that involved Jesus eating with his disciples. Jesus eats what would be his last Passover meal. In this last meal, Jesus and his disciples revisit a pivotal moment in the history of Israel while also forecasting another pivotal moment that will have kingdom implications.

During our Lenten journey, I pray we learn to slow down and relinquish our addiction to busyness. A dinner invitation led to an opportunity for a disciple to sit at the feet of Jesus to learn from him. The call to discipleship is a call to be mentored and molded by the Lord of all.

At the home of a Pharisee, Jesus is prompted to speak on the inner life. While we are typically overwhelmed with outside appearances, Jesus speaks to the importance of cleaning up the inside and addressing one’s heart.

At the home of a Pharisee, Jesus is prompted to speak on the inner life. While we are typically overwhelmed with outside appearances, Jesus speaks to the importance of cleaning up the inside and addressing one’s heart.

Eating settings in the first century were ones that highlighted class and social structures. Jesus often broke those barriers. In this dining experience, an uninvited guest comes to a dinner with Jesus present. During the encounter, she expressed her love and gratitude to the one who showed her compassion.

Some of Jesus’ most surprising dining moments took place with people who had bad reputations and sinful lifestyles. In these engagements, the heart of Jesus is revealed as one who is seeking out the “imperfect; in order to do something perfect with them.