Table fellowship was an important part of daily life in Jesus' world. The Lord's Supper comes to us in the context of the table meal – not just the Passover. To eat with someone was a sign of acceptance, friendship, and honor.
In Mark 2:15-17 we first saw Jesus reclining at table, eating with tax collectors and sinners. And when Jesus heard of the inquiries of the Pharisees, he replied: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.â€
In Mark 7:1-2 the Pharisees and scribes observe the failure of Jesus' disciples to honor the handwashing traditions of the elders. Indeed, chapters 6-8 are all about food as they highlight the feedings of the 5,000 and the 4,000.
While many people want to avoid connecting the feedings with the Supper, Mark does not encourage such a division. There is virtually an identity of action: Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives the bread (6:41; 8:6).
Obviously there are differences. Jesus is not establishing a sacrament when he multiplies the loaves! But just as Jesus fed the multitudes in the wilderness (like Moses), so now he is preparing to lead a new Exodus – and establishes a new Passover.
It is only here at the Last Supper that the feeding of the multitudes finally makes sense. This is what the new Exodus – the return from Exile – is all about.
But before we get to that meal, we must first stop at the house of Simon the leper for one final meal with the outcasts...
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