The Spiritual Significance of Sharing Meals

Eating food is one of the most physical and tangible things we, as humans, do. It engages all five senses. We can see food and assess whether it is pleasing to the eye. We can touch food as we place it into our mouths, noticing the texture. Of course, most importantly, we can smell it and ultimately taste it. Oh, the pleasure of savoring a delicious bite!

Eating is a Universal Human Necessity

Eating is a basic human necessity, a requirement of our earthly existence. While some may argue that human life is defined solely by temporal or physical elements—a series of electrical pulses and chemical reactions—this viewpoint overlooks a vital aspect of our humanity. If we were to reduce our existence to mere biological functions, we would eat only for survival or to fuel our cells. However, consider the joy and satisfaction we feel when we indulge in our favorite foods. There must be something deeper.

Indeed, God created us with a soul. We are much more than a collection of electrical impulses. We have minds and emotions. What may seem like a primarily physical activity actually engages the deeper aspects of our human existence. For example, we are relational beings. We need to connect with others and our Creator. Eating or sharing a meal with someone is profoundly relational and carries a spiritual impact.

Food: More Than Just Fuel

Food is indeed more than just fuel. Throughout scripture, there are numerous examples of meals or eating that hold relational and spiritual significance. There are meals marking the covenant between God and man, alongside other celebratory meals commemorating festivals or the Sabbath. Scripture records many instances of people eating together within the context of community. It was rarely a solitary or purely biological activity. Numerous verses highlight sharing food with those in need as a demonstration of God’s love.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Easter. As Jesus prepared for his death at Passover, he took time out of chaos to sit down with his disciples and eat. The hours spent at the Last Supper were among the last moments Jesus had to share with and teach his disciples.

Read this passage from Matthew, Chapter 26, verses 17 through 19.

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

The Last Supper: A Profound Lesson

The Last Supper is commemorated in the Christian faith. However, for Jesus and his disciples, it was actually the Passover meal, a Jewish holiday that celebrated their Exodus from Egypt. It served as a reminder of how the Passover lamb brought salvation from the Angel of Death. This particular Passover meal held deep spiritual significance even before they understood it. It marked the beginning of a new covenant between God and humanity. Jesus was about to become the final sacrificial lamb for all mankind forever.

Sharing Meals: Building Community

The Last Supper illustrates another powerful principle: the importance of sharing community and vulnerability over a meal. These moments were not merely about symbolism, food, or tradition; they were about relationships, connection, and loving service to others. Jesus demonstrated through His humility the power of leading by serving, as he washed His disciples' feet.

Sharing a meal with friends, loved ones, or even strangers brings people emotionally closer. Eating is a fundamental human need, and sharing meals lowers barriers while encouraging vulnerability and openness. Eating binds people together, fosters community, and builds trust and support.

Biblical References to the Power of Eating Together

The Bible contains many other examples of how sharing meals breaks barriers and expresses love. Here are just a few of my favorite verses:

• “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)

• “Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.” 1 Peter 4:9 (TLB)

• “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (ESV)

• “*He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.” Psalms 146:7 (NIV

  
  

Eating is much more than just a physical activity. It is profoundly emotional and relational. We can clearly impact someone’s life by meeting their needs. When you share something as simple as a meal, your impact can break down walls and build bridges that last a lifetime.

Join Our Mission to Impact Lives Through Food

This May, we are hosting our annual food drive. We provide food to many families in need. It is critical for helping families stay healthy. Food is essential for survival. But our passion is about more than just nourishing bodies. Food unites people in a way that few other activities can. Click on the link to learn how Mission Partners impacts people's lives by providing food.

Impact a Life Through Food