The Meal Jesus Gave Us, 1
Posted by Jason Oesterling on May 7, 2008
This is the 1st post on N.T. Wright’s little book The Meal Jesus Gave Us. It’s a great quick read on the “Jesus-meal.”
How do you explain a birthday party to a Martian?
This is the question of the first chapter. Imagine a Martian visiting your house during a birthday party for your daughter. How would you explain the traditions?
- why are all these people here?
- why are they wearing funny hats?
- why do they pull those things that make a bang?
- why does the little girl in the middle keep opening packages?
- why is someone trying to set fire to the cake?
Traditions like birthday parties and the Lord’s Supper are symbolic actions that say something. They are special and meaningful celebrations. Our celebration of the Jesus-meal communicates something to those who participate. (And those on the outside may be very confused what that is until it is explained to them.)
In the next chapter, we eavesdrop on another celebration meal…
