around you , and create time and space for a meal ( at a table ) with people you care about .
Let ’ s take a look at how Jesus used the table in the Gospels . Jesus ate with Zacchaeus , a tax collector . The Jews despised tax collectors like Zacchaeus because Jewish tax collectors were hired by the Romans to take money from their fellow Jews . And not only that , but tax collectors were notorious for overcharging on taxes and keeping money for themselves . As far as the Jews were concerned tax collectors were traitors and thieves . While one would think Jesus would plan to eat dinner with the local pastor , the mayor , or anyone else respectable , He ate with the guy no one liked . What a perfect depiction of grace .
Do you think if someone had asked Zac if he was ready to have Jesus over to his house for dinner he would have said yes ? Most likely , he would have said a resounding no with all sorts of excuses : “ My house is wreck .” “ I don ’ t have time to cook dinner .” “ The kids go to bed early .” “ It would totally mess up our routine .”
It ’ s uncomfortable to welcome people into your home — especially when they are unexpected . But the truth is , the journey toward true community requires us to take risks and embrace awkwardness . Yes , it is messy at times because God ’ s children are imperfect people . But it is in those places of awkward discomfort that we can experience that same grace Zacchaeus experienced that day .
Being prepared to welcome people to your house on Sunday after church or Thursday night after the t-ball game is easy if you plan it out in advance . The recipes I have in this section are all about inviting
13