Have you ever been a part of a “tasting”? I have not, but I have talked to friends who have participated in these events. In the “tastings” I am familiar with, the hosts of a party attend a dinner where they get to “taste” the different options for food that will be served at their gala. Think about a bride and groom meeting with the caterer to decide if they want the beef or the chicken as the main course of the dinner at their wedding reception. The small portions at the “tasting” are but an appetizer for the full size entrees at the feast. The food at the tasting is real, but it is designed to whet the appetite for what is to come.
In Luke 6:17-19, after selecting His 12 apostles, Jesus descends from the mountain to resume His ministry among the people. In the congregation that day at Jesus’ open-air meeting on a plain were the 12 apostles (the core), many other people who were His disciples (the committed), as well as people who had traveled from great distances to see what Jesus was all about (the curious). The meeting that materialized that day included Jesus preaching His most famous sermon, but also Jesus demonstrating His compassion by healing the sick and casting out the demons from the oppressed.
What was Jesus doing?
He was offering a “tasting” of His goodness before the main feast would be served with the establishment of His Kingdom. When Jesus returns to this earth and we live in His presence, what kinds of things can we expect? Clarity of message. Compassionate care. Consistent relief from suffering.
Today, we live our lives in the face of great turmoil and need. Like the people of the first century, we also deal with disease, depression, despair, and domination. Where can we hope to find relief, compassion, and clarity? By turning to Jesus. His ministry that we see in the Gospels is real, and it is designed to whet our appetite for what is most certainly to come.
This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service as we will begin a new series titled “Speak Plainly: the message of the movement.” This series will look at the Sermon on the Plain/Mount that Jesus gave in Luke 6:20-49. In part 1 on Sunday, we will look at the intro to this section (Luke 6:17-19) as we see the “tasting” before the feast.
Join us Sunday in one of our all-in services (no children, student, college, or adult classes this week), as we worship God together for who He is, and for what He has promised to do when His kingdom comes. This message is for the core, the committed, and the curious. That means this message is for you, your children, and all you know.
Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday … and bring friends!
