We are reminded of the relational realities for the early church, and the importance placed on time together, as an integral aspect of the fellowship of believers.  More specifically, Luke described in Acts 2, “…they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  Well, when we think of “breaking of bread”, we know and embrace the vital sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and how the Jesus instituted that for our behalf to remember Him, His sacrifice, and to bring us, His children, as a means of grace, in communion and unity with our Triune God. 

However, instituting the Lord’s Supper was also in the context of sharing a meal together.   The Scriptures are filled with examples of many different banquets and feasts. For God’s chosen people, meals were big events. And, while the cooks probably orchestrated some great, tasty meals, they were events that could last for hours (like a Metro Parish picnic!), a time when you could invite people to eat with you (like a Metro parish picnic!), including people you may not know personally (like a Metro Parish picnic!).  The Lord impressed upon His people then, and now, of the importance of hospitality. The purpose was to have deep fellowship with one another and to experience the presence of God amongst His people.  The early Church had that cultural context and knowledge (and practical sense) that they would grow closer together while sharing meals, as our families do (sometimes in spite of soccer practice or piano lessons).  Again, back to the spiritual foundation of our “breaking bread”, on the night before Jesus was betrayed, He sat with His best friends and He broke bread with them.  Best of all, when we meet in worship, in teaching, and in fellowship, even sharing a meal together, we are promised of the Lord’s presence with us (“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of you” Matthew 18:20).  

I hope to see my Metro Parish family (and invite your friends!), as we share a meal together, devoted to one other in fellowship, in the Lord’s presence, with food, fun, and plenty of burgers, plus!  Learn more and RSVP here.