I recently heard someone refer to Jesus’ “preference for the poor.” I know this phrase travels in certain theological circles, but I do not like it. We do not find in the Gospels evidence that Jesus “preferred” the poor or any particular sort of person for that matter. Neither did he “prefer” the rich. He seemed to prefer people who perceived the power of God set loose in the land; those who recognized their own need for healing and forgiveness; those who were willing to walk with him.
When I hear such a phrase, I immediately think, “Then why was Jesus so comfortable with the wealthy? Why was he so patient with Nicodemus? Why did he frequent the homes of the well off?” In our gospel story this week, we find him in such a home, at a dinner party hosted by a prominent Pharisee named Simon.
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table.
Pharisees were not necessarily wealthy, but they were not poor, and were men of great influence. They were both troubled and intrigued by Jesus – recognizing his undeniable spiritual power, yet often aghast at the surroundings in which he exercised that power, and frequently offended by his actions and language. This invitation to dinner was likely more than generous hospitality; it was one of many attempts to investigate the claims about Jesus, to get to know him – and perhaps to see him trip up. As we will see, Jesus was about to “trip up” in a spectacular way – and then turn the tables on his detractors even more cleverly.
As we explore this story through the week, let’s put ourselves into its setting: a dinner party, that most convivial and intimate of social gatherings. We give dinner parties to bring together people we like, or want to know better, or want to impress. We serve elegantly and lavishly, and dress up the table as well as ourselves. We attend dinner parties to enjoy the hospitality of others, to engage in rich conversation and richer food, and perhaps to get to know someone we’ve admired from afar.
Isn't our worship a little like hosting and attending a dinner party? Don’t we get out the linen and silver, offer up a rare (if minimal…) feast, entertain and encourage conversation? Don’t we dress up (a little…), bring our best selves, and hope we'll have a chance to get to know the guest of honor better? Imagine yourself seated next to Jesus at dinner. What do you want to ask him? What do you want to tell him about?
The dinner party in our story has a surprise that was most definitely not in the host’s script. We too might be on the look-out in church for the people who weren’t necessarily on the guest list, but get right to the heart of the matter. And we too might seek a chance to get close to Jesus of Nazareth, who said his preferred dinner companions are you and me.
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