JUNE 25, Luke 7:36

During Old Testament times, guests invited to a meal were greeted at the door by the host with a formal kiss of welcome. Then a servant would remove the guest’s sandals and wash his feet. The guest’s head may then be anointed with oil scented with spices. He would then be given a drink of water, to show that he was received peacefully. Seating arrangement was important. Honoured guests were seated on raised platforms or at reserved places. The chief guest would be seated on the host’s right and was always given the best food. Washing of hands before meals was a must because they did not have any cutlery like forks and spoons. In the Old Testament times, people sat cross-legged around a mat with the food in the centre. In the New Testament times, the Roman custom of ‘reclining’ at the table was adopted. This is how Jesus and the other guests dined when invited to dinner at the house of Simon, the rich Pharisee.

There will be a marriage supper of the Lamb (meaning Jesus) in heaven. Do you know that Jesus has already sent an invitation to every one of us? Have you accepted it? Jesus knocks on the door of every heart and is waiting for an answer.

Write down two differences between the way we eat and the way people in Biblical times eat.
(Back page of Jesus and His Times)
We eat sitting on chairs.
They eat ____________________________________________
We eat with chopsticks, forks and spoons.
They eat with ________________________________________

Thought: Only those who have accepted the Lord Jesus will be at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be be sure of my salvation, and look forward to being with You in Heaven! In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.