Breaking bread together—a strategy from Jesus for us to use today

By Dean Collins

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were just doing what disciples did and what those of Jewish faith and tradition did as well; they practiced hospitality. Those who were passing through as evening approached needed food and protection. Peter Altmann, posting at Bible Odyssey, shows how hospitality was commanded and demonstrated throughout the Old Testament.

As Jesus and the two disciples neared the village, the two disciples insisted that Jesus stay with them for the evening, even though Jesus had indicated he would go on. Obviously, a resurrected Jesus didn’t need anyone to protect him from the elements. If you can rise from the dead you are not particularly afraid of robbers or a stray dog while traveling alone.

During the three-year ministry of Jesus, he often spent time on the road, in the wilderness, or praying in a garden or on a mountain. His needs were always provided for, and he was often the provider for those who were without. Remember the feeding of the 5,000 and the 4,000? Jesus took what little others had to offer and broke it into pieces and provided a meal for the masses. Not once but twice. But it must have brought a smile that these two disciples cared and were insisting that he allow them to provide a meal and shelter that resurrection evening. Even as they were confused and anxious, their sense of compassion stirred. They offered hospitality to the originator of generosity.

Small talk or deeper conversation?

We don’t know the conversation as the meal was prepared. Was it small talk in contrast to the much deeper conversation from the road, or did the two disciples continue to ask Jesus for more and more explanation of recent events? One of the two indicated that supper was ready, and they sat down to eat. I can’t help but imagine a little twinkle in Jesus’ eyes as he reached for the bread ahead of the host and broke it, offering the pieces to the other two. It was as if he knew this action would connect the dots for them. This moment would bring to their memories their experiences with Jesus around tables before his death. The 120 or so disciples that were often with Jesus had no doubt received bread from his hands before. The memory of the past and the emotion in this moment came together quickly. They realized they had just spent a few hours with the resurrected Lord.

It must have been a moment of laughter and weeping for joy. The two looked at each other excited to share what they had not realized earlier, and as they pulled themselves together, they noticed that Jesus had quietly slipped away.

Tell someone!

It is interesting to note the boldness of the two disciples here. They had just minutes ago suggested that Jesus stay because the day was spent. Now energized by the presence of the resurrected Lord, they got up and headed for Jerusalem. When you have an encounter with Jesus, you just have to tell someone! Fatigue can’t stop you. Darkness and fear cannot hold you back. You simply must go to friends and family and tell them what Jesus just did in your life.

They went and found the eleven apostles and told them excitedly that Jesus had indeed risen. The women in the garden were right. Peter and John were right. Jesus was alive and on the move.

Jesus was later seen by the apostles. They ate together by the sea. He would soon ascend into the clouds with a promise that they were to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come, and then they were to spread the good news far and wide. Disciple-making was the next order of business.

Time with Jesus

What if we became more serious about spending time with Jesus on our walks and in our conversations? What if we learned to follow Jesus by coming alongside others and offering encouragement? What if we had the twinkle in our eye that simply enjoyed breaking bread and sharing with others, not asking for anything in return? I suspect those we spend time with in fellowship and ministry might just be running to their friends and sharing the good news that Jesus had appeared to them as well.

Discipleship might just catch fire as in the early days of the church when we learn the importance of simply breaking bread together and sharing God’s love in simple yet profound ways.

‬‬‬‬Your time with God’s Word
Luke‬ ‭24:28-35‬ ‭ESV

Photo by Kate Remmer at Unsplash

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