162. The Gift of Food | God’s Love Made Delectable (Part 2)
Jan 25, 2024
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Exploring the biblical perspective on food as a gift, the podcast discusses the cultural context of the Old Testament, Jesus' relationship with food, the Last Supper's significance, and the implications of understanding food as God's love made delectable. Other topics include the violation of eating rules, reflections on dietary rules in Leviticus, bread baking during the pandemic, the symbolism of communion, and the transformative power of viewing food as a gift.
Food is seen as a gift and expression of God's love, emphasizing its value as a means of nourishment and happiness.
Viewing communion as a shared meal brings out its practical side, focusing on the nourishing aspect of Jesus.
Deep dives
Food as a Gift of God's Love
Food is seen as a gift and expression of God's love, rather than a commodity. By naming food theologically, it changes our relationship with it and emphasizes its value as a means of nourishment and happiness. The biblical perspective on food is explored through an agrarian lens, recognizing ancient Israelites' understanding of food as a gift and the importance of limitations and serving the needs of the land. Communion is discussed as a shared meal that symbolizes the abiding presence of Jesus and his call to nurture, heal, and reconcile. The significance of bread and wine in communion is highlighted, but the possibility of expanding the practice to other food elements is contemplated. The intentionality and focus on heavenly bread are emphasized, encouraging an appreciation of food as a gift and fostering a greater sense of communion in all eating experiences.
The Practical and Symbolic Dimensions of Communion
Communion is compared to foot washing, with foot washing having a practical aspect along with its symbolic meaning in ancient times. Today, foot washing has become purely symbolic, while communion tends to be approached primarily as a symbol as well. However, communion involves the physical act of eating and the elements becoming part of our bodies. It is suggested that viewing communion as a shared meal, like a potluck, could bring out its practical side and focus on the nourishing aspect of Jesus. The importance of intentionality and the transformation that belief brings to the act of eating are underscored. While not every eating experience becomes communion, per se, perceiving food as a gift and approaching it with gratitude and awareness can enhance the communion-like aspect of all eating.
The Transformative Power of Food
Food is seen as having transformative power, not just in its physical nourishment, but also in its ability to foster appreciation, connectedness, and justice. Appreciating food as a gift leads to a deeper sense of gratitude and care for the flavors, nutrition, and origins of food. It also raises awareness of food disparities and the need for justice. Growing and preparing food deepens the connection to God's creation and promotes diversity. Sharing food with others encourages love, relationship-building, and an embodied understanding of community. Ultimately, food is recognized as a simple but miraculous gift from God that can lead to shalom, a sense of wholeness and flourishing.
The Language of God: Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Food
The podcast episode explores the intersection of faith and food, emphasizing the theological perspective on food as a gift from God. It delves into the significance of communion as a shared meal and how viewing food as a gift allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of its transformative power. The practical and symbolic dimensions of communion are discussed, as well as the potential for expanding the practice beyond bread and wine. The episode also highlights the importance of intentionality, gratitude, and connectedness in the way we approach and engage with food.
The idea of food as a gift is one that comes to us frequently in scripture. In this episode we look to the Bible and see if we can better understand God’s intended relationship to food. Beginning with the Old Testament, we explore how ancient Israelites might have thought about food. In the New Testament we see Jesus continually gathering around a table and feeding people, and even many of his miracles were food related. And at the last supper, food takes on even more significance as the elements of communion.
This is part two of a five part mini-series. Learn more about the series and find related resources at biologos.org/the-gift-of-food.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Tiny Music, High Street Music, Klimenko Music, Lost Harmonies, Klaus Hergersheimer, Babel, & Chill Cord courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.
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