Jesus Wants to Eat With You

There are numerous significant theological and biblical meanings behind the Last Supper (Passover Seder) and while the pursuit of those meanings are worthwhile and powerful, here's the most simple and significant:

Jesus wants to eat with us.

Let me say that again. The Triune God of the cosmos not only created the world and humanity but desires fellowship, communion, and friendship. And when sin entered the world and humanity to wreak havoc and choas, God intervened again -- with the redemptive mission of restoring Shalom -- all that which God intended for us.

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. (John 1:14 / The Message)

Throughout Jesus' journey, he was eating with men, women, and children. He ate with tax collectors, prostitutes, sinners, Romans, Gentiles, and even religious folks.

When you understand the significant cultural and spiritual meaning behind "eating together," I completely understand why the religious folk couldn't "get" Jesus. Eating together = lifelong friendship.

Even during the Last Supper -- in the presence of Judas who will betray Jesus for 30 sickly silver coins and with other disciples arguing and jockeying for position and power -- all Jesus wants is to eat with them.

And herein lies the meaning, truth, and grace of the gospel:

God/Jesus/Holy Spirit wants to be in eternal communion and friendship with us.

He creates it, pursues it, and ultimately sends his Son to restore, redeem, and reconcile that Relationship -- as the perfect Sacrifice. Truly amazing.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me. (Revelations 3:20)

And so, I encourage you: Eat with Jesus.

Eugene Cho, a second-generation Korean-American, is the founder and lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle and the executive director of Q Cafe, an innovative nonprofit neighborhood café and music venue. He and his wife are also launching a grassroots humanitarian organization to fight global poverty. You can stalk him at his blog or follow him on Twitter.