Bethany Lutheran Church

BLESS | Eating as a Spiritual Practice

Pastor Martin Danner

The table was one of Jesus’ most consistent ministry tools. Meals were sacred spaces where outsiders became insiders, and strangers became friends. Eating together remains one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to build trust and show hospitality. As Paul encourages us to “practice hospitality” and “share with God’s people in need,” we’re reminded that the dinner table is often where blessing begins.

 Luke 5:27–32 (ESV)

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Romans 12:9–13 (ESV)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.