A Great Meal

 

On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. (Luke 9:10-17 ESV).

 

I have been able to eat at many places all across the globe. And, I can honestly say that some of the best meals I have ever eaten were “home” cooked. I can remember the days spent with my Dad when he was preparing and tending the meat he barbequed daily at store. His sauce was typically “Texas style,” as were the ribs he put on the pit. I developed a love for grilled meats (especially pork ribs) in those days. My sons have taken up the same habit and often out-cook me!

 

Recently I decided to duplicate my Dad’s technique and sauce for a meal with Kyle and his family. It was very good. However, it was made better by the conversation while we ate.  Of course I am not saying bad food is somehow made “good” by conversation and fellowship. Although good food without good fellowship does make a difference. In fact, even though I ate way more than I should have, I remember leaving that meal totally satisfied because every­thing about that night was amazing. I was full; I had family around me; I knew I was in the right place in my life; I felt blessed by God.

 

In our reading today, Jesus looked out over the crowd he had been teaching all day and knew that they were hungry. They were hungry for physical food, but I think they were hungrier for purpose and meaning. So Jesus fed them, completely. He multiplied a few loaves and fish far enough to feed a massive crowd. But even more, he satisfied their need for the sustaining bread of life that comes only through him. The only food that sustains our faith forever is the food that Jesus gives: the fullness of life that comes through his presence and mission and Word in our life. If we try to fill up on anything else, we will be hungry again. That’s the ultimate fellowship experience.