Eating together as a family seems to have disappeared for many. For some it’s because one parent works days, the other nights, and for some, they just don’t realize its importance. Even if the children are gone, a husband and wife should still take the time to share an evening meal. And Holy Scripture demonstrates its important. Did you know that there are 1,014 references to eating together throughout the pages of the Bible?

Eating and mealtimes have always been opportunities for fellowship and sharing. A particular instruction of eating was given to the Israelites on that first Passover…how they were to prepare the food…what should or shouldn’t be shared. There are numerous stories of families and friends gathering together to partake of food and wine. The Old Testament, however, used food as a means to exclude persons of a different tribe, or of a particular sin. Man determined who was unworthy to share a meal.

Then came Jesus with a New Covenant. Jesus came so all people would have the opportunity to eat together, fellowship together, grow together as one family in Christ. All people would have the opportunity to share the sacred meal of Holy Communion. Jesus told Nicodemus that Baptism was the entrance into Christian fellowship, and that fellowship brings us together as one family, sharing in the greatest meal of all: Holy Communion.

Family mealtimes keep us close and our weekly presence at Jesus’ table keeps us close to Him. Take advantage of it. You are part of His family.