Jesus takes ordinary moments like meals to teach extraordinary truths. How we do anything is how we do everything, and Jesus uses a meal with the Pharisees to reveal mindsets contrary to the kingdom of God. Are you serving your kingdom or the Kingdom of God? 

The wedding at Cana was never about the wedding but always about the wine. Jesus begins his ministry by transforming water into wine, demonstrating his focus on the cross and replacing Old Testament purification processes with the sufficiency of the blood of Christ. 

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples unknowingly encounter Jesus while discussing his recent death and disappearance. Instead of immediately revealing himself to them as resurrection evidence, Jesus discusses scripture. This highlights the importance of having faith based on God's word, not based on experiences. Experiences change and don't always reveal the whole truth but God's word is what lasts.  

When Simon the Pharisee questions Jesus, Jesus tells a parable of debts and then forgives the sinful woman. We need to remind ourselves regularly of who Jesus is and respond accordingly. 

When Jesus comes through town, Zacheus famously climbs a tree just to get a glimpse. Jesus invites himself to Zacheu's house, showing us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. 

When Jesus comes through town, Mary sits at His feet while Martha is busy serving Him and his guests. When Martha confronts them, Jesus lovingly reminds her that our work cannot come before our worship. 

Theologically, meals are significant. The Bible begins and ends with a meal, starting with the tragic eating of fruit and ending with the redeeming marriage supper of the lamb. This summer, we are exploring people's various encounters with Jesus over food in a sacred meal known as Convivium.

Today, we look at one of Jesus's largest meals, the feeding of the 5,000. The crowd is invited to receive a meal, while the disciples are invited to distribute it. Are you the crowd following Jesus merely to meet needs? We don't need the blessings Jesus gives; we need Jesus the author of our salvation. As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of giving the bread away. However, we must recognize that we are wholly inadequate for the work that he has called us to do.

The grace that saves is the same that sustains us.

The Book of Jude exposes false teaching and compels readers to contend for the faith in light of false teachers. We all have a tendency to reject God and do life on our own, but we are called to a different standard. So, how are we called to live? We must be faithful to the truth, and that faithfulness to the truth will inform how we live.

Jude compels readers to persevere in the truth even when the ungodly prosper more than the godly. He also admonishes becoming like the ungodly through grumbling and complaining as the Israelites in Moses' day did.  

Jude is dealing with false teachers in the midst of the Church. He uses Old Testament references to warn against rejecting God's design and authority. We reap what we sow. Are folly and flesh being sown in your life? Or are you being influenced by wisdom and the Holy Spirit?