Taste and See Week 1 — You’re Invited to the Table

The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. — Genesis 2:9

Why is God such a foodie? What does God take such a particular interest in food? I think the answer traces back to the Garden. ~ Margaret Feinberg

Welcome to the Taste and See Online Bible Study with Margaret Feinberg! I’m so glad you’re joining us on our foodie adventure through Scripture!

Isn’t it cool that God gave us food to eat? He could have invented any number of ways to provide us with daily nutrition or crafted us in such a way that we wouldn’t even need it! But, in His creative generosity He gave us hunger and he gave us delicious foods of all varieties! Apparently, God loves a banqueting table (Isaiah 25:6, Psalm 23:5, Matthew 22:2, Luke 14:16-20, Matthew 8:11) laden with tasty foods and surrounded with friends old and new.

Scripture of the Week:

When He was at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. — Luke 24:30

I don’t know about you, but my home is full of avid food-lovers. We have a weekly dinner with my mama who is the Queen of the Kitchen and each week someone will group-text “Nana, what’s for dins?” When she answers the oohs and aaahs and happy dances commence! Our daily family meals are not nearly as gourmet as what she prepares, but are just as anticipated —whether it’s Caribbean flank steak, asparagus, and mashed garlic potatoes or pork chops, hot apple sauce, and broccoli. I can definitely relate to Margaret’s food rut of deit-take-out rotisserie chicken and roasted vegetables during busy weeks. You too?

I want meal times around my table to be memory-makers, full of good conversation, . open and honest hearts, tasty foods, and the birthing place of deep relationships. The table should be a place for family and friends to feel welcomed, loved, accepted, and celebrated. It’s a place to linger and laugh.

Speaking of celebration, in my home, we’ve had to be a little more mindful of what we’re eating this January, so last week I made a double batch of every-veg-in-the-fridge, colorful soup with cannellini beans in the slow cooker. It has been a delicious way to trim the fat since we ate like fiends over the holidays.

Given the “new year, new you” focus on food that’s so prevalent every January (and gyms everywhere!), I’m thrilled to be zeroing in on the spiritual and biblical side of food with Margaret and you!

We spend so much time preparing to eat, don’t we? Cleaning out the fridge, planning the menu, shopping (Side note: Praise Jesus for grocery delivery during busy weeks!), prepping the meal, cooking… and eating! Why not spend that time also investing in the biblical, rich truths God planned for us to enjoy the food He gave us?

What we see in the life of Christ is that through the procurement of food, the preparation of food, the serving of food, the enjoyment of food, and the discussions surrounding the food that Jesus is continually transforming lives. ~ Margaret

This week, let’s meet Christ at the table. I want to be drawn to Him and find His richness and goodness through the beauty and enjoyment of mealtime. How about you?

Even though the enemy tries to use food to draw people’s hearts away from God, God uses food to draw people’s hearts back to Himself. ~ Margaret

This week for the study you will:

1. Watch the video for Week 1 – either on DVD or on Study Gateway and take notes in the Taste and See Study Guide on pages 15-21.
2. Enjoy your personal study this week on pages 22-35.
3. Join us on Thursday, January 24^th (optional) for a watch party to view the video together and enjoy a live chat discussion. We want to meet you! So, come introduce yourself to our community.

Scriptures this Week

1. Matthew 3
2. Genesis 2:9
3. Luke 24:15-16
4. Luke 24:27-31
5. Psalm 34:8

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, we want to taste and see that You are good. We want to be transformed by You and the Word that You gave us. We want to share life with You and other believers around the table with good food and rich relationship. We want to declare that You are so good to us! You are the source of life and the giver of every good gift. May we be satisfied in You! We love You. Amen.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Leif’s Honey Mustard Dressing

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

Pinch of salt

Pinch of pepper

Directions

Combine ingredients in small bowl until mixed. Refrigerate before and after serving.

Makes 4–6 servings.

TASTE AND SEE EXPERIENCES

Choose one (or more) of the following activities to grow more intentional in your relationships with one other and God.

1. Go on a picnic. Get outside (or inside, depending on the time of year) with a friend and be intentional about your conversation and time of connection. Consider using the four questions from the video teaching to connect on a deeper relational level.
2. Make one of your favorite recipes or try a new one (you’ll find a collection of tasty ones in the Taste and See book) and share with your immediate neighbors. As you cook, pray for each family and home. Ask God to open opportunities for deeper connection and kindness.
3. Plant fresh herbs. Consider using seeds or purchasing inexpensive starter plants of spices such as rosemary, basil, thyme, or lemongrass. Then, as they grow, share with neighbors, friends, or even a local food bank

4.Help others in your community in one of these ways:

• Purchase food for a local food bank.
• Volunteer to serve food at a homeless shelter.
• Scour your pantry shelves and kitchen cabinets for food you can give away (pay attention to expiration dates).
• Cook for someone who is experiencing long-term health issues, recently gave birth, or is housebound.