Sabbath: A Biblical Approach to Nourishing Friends and Familyনমুনা

What if every time we opened up a cookbook, made a shopping list, or turned on the stove, we realized we were participating in holy work?

Yes, we have big examples of Jesus using food to show the miracles of God (the feeding of the five thousand comes to mind), but then there are smaller, more intimate stories of Jesus using food to know and be known by others.

The story of the Emmaus meal takes place in Luke 24:13-35. Two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, discussing the recent crucifixion of Jesus and the reports of His resurrection. As they walked and talked, Jesus Himself (whom they did not recognize) approached and walked along with them.

During their walk, Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, focusing on the prophecies about Himself. Despite His teaching, the two disciples still didn’t recognize Him. But they were moved by His words and asked Him to stay with them as it was getting late.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Luke 24:30

It was in this moment, at their meal, that their eyes were opened, and they finally recognized Him. But then He immediately disappeared from their sight. The disciples noted how their hearts burned within them as He spoke to them and opened the Scriptures. The disciples hurried back to Jerusalem that very night to share their experience with the others.

In this story that many of us may have read but not remembered (I know I didn’t until I reread it recently and saw it through the light of sharing a meal), we’re given so many insights into how important the act of sharing a meal was to Jesus.

He never shamed people for wanting to be fed physically and spiritually at the same time.

He ate, not just with those He loved, but also with those who were set against Him.

He cared deeply about the physical needs of those around Him.

He knew that in order to learn, people needed to be fed. You can’t fill the hearts when the stomachs are empty.

Jesus’ love transformed each moment of a simple meal into a meaningful ritual.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for this time to gather with those I love so much.

Please help me to be present in this moment — I don’t want to miss a thing.

Amen.

Savor Your Sabbath

Could you use a break from cooking (and everything else) once a week? Not only is rest vital for your mind and body, it’s good for your soul, too. God designed us to enter into Sabbath rest one day per week, but, as you know, meals still need to be made. Your family still needs to be fed.

Learn more in my book, Sabbath Soup, which includes convenient, seasonal meal plans that take the guesswork out of shopping and cooking. More than just a collection of delicious recipes—including main dishes, breads, breakfasts, desserts, salads, sides, and yes, soups—this is your guide to establishing a weekly rhythm and routine of meal planning and prep that allows you to have a true day off.

Do something good for your soul and experience the peace that comes with a full day dedicated to spending time with God, family, and friends. Savor your Sabbath as you proudly proclaim, “Soup’s on!”