Breaking Bread

In a world of many cultures, the preparation and eating of food is common to all backgrounds. Food is much more than nutrition; it provides an opportunity to communicate feelings and create memories with others. Although born in America, I lived in central Europe for part of my life. Perhaps it was there I began to appreciate differing foods. After returning to the United States we settled in the south, a culture rich with hearty foods. As I have traveled throughout my life my fondest memories both stateside and abroad involve food. Regardless of which side of the ocean I find myself, the link between food and relationship has always impacted my life. When I share a meal with someone, it provides an opportunity to learn of their traditions and their culture. I also begin sharing my life through Christ as well. There is almost always a story tied to a shared meal, and it is in these stories that we begin to connect and grow in relationship.

Jesus was a storyteller. He frequently spoke and taught using parables, which were stories designed to reveal His Kingdom. Jesus and the early church enjoyed sharing a meal together, just as we do today.  Sharing meals and hospitality developed community and became a tool for evangelism.  The Bible uses the expression “breaking of bread” in different ways. First, Acts 2:42-46 describes the early church breaking bread as part of their fellowship: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Another type of breaking of bread is that observed at the Lord’s Supper or Christian communion. During the Last Supper, described in 1 Corinthians 11:23-39, Jesus took a loaf of bread and broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Although millions of women across the world are separated by both land and sea, I believe we still have the ability to reach out in relationship. We should never limit what God can do in a situation. After all, even an ordinary meal becomes extraordinary when Jesus Christ is at the table!!!