Feed My Sheep: Why Sharing a Meal Still Matters

“Feed my sheep.” – John 21:17

These were some of the first words Jesus spoke to His disciples after His resurrection. But He wasn’t calling Peter to tend livestock—He was calling him to love and care for people, to minister to their hearts, and to nourish them with the Word of God.

And Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He used the word “feed.”

He understood the power of a meal. When food is shared, walls come down, hearts open, and there’s a deeper level of connection that happens in the sacred space between plates on a table.

The Pressure to Be Perfect

But do you ever feel like your kitchen or your meals just aren’t “good enough”? That if Christ were inviting people over—like He did with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10)—the scene would be Pinterest-perfect: glowing candles, a carefully curated menu, spotless counters, and a cozy, calm atmosphere?

I’ve been there.

That twinge of vulnerability when a guest spots the tea stains on my countertop… or the cobweb in the corner that’s been there so long I’ve started calling the spider Charlotte.

It’s easy to feel insecure. But that’s not what Jesus is asking of us.

Hospitality in a Hurried World

In our fast-paced culture, it can feel nearly impossible to pause long enough to thank God for our food, let alone plan a meal to share with someone else.

But as followers of Christ, we’re called to do just that—even at a moment’s notice.

Jesus modeled this again and again:

• He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10–11)

• He multiplied loaves and fish to feed thousands (Mark 6:30–44)

• He told Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5)—a holy volun-telling if ever there was one.

  
  

In Scripture, we see others doing the same:

• The father of the prodigal son called for the fattened calf to be prepared immediately to celebrate his return (Luke 15:22–23)

• The early church broke bread in their homes with glad and sincere hearts (Acts 2:46)

So why do we still hesitate?

The Lies That Hold Us Back

The enemy is subtle but strategic. He knows the spiritual power of hospitality—so he whispers lies to keep us from opening our doors:

1. “I’m too busy to host tonight. I’ll try another time.”

2. “Others are better cooks, hosts, or bakers than I am.”

3. “My house is too small, too plain, or too messy.”

But the truth is: God isn’t calling us to perfection. He’s calling us to obedience. To love. To show up.

The Beauty of the Messy Table

When we open our homes—even when they’re messy—we invite others into something holy. We remind them they’re not alone. That their chaos isn’t shameful—it’s just real life.

And that is where God often does His best work.

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27

Whether it’s a perfectly planned dinner or a chaotic meal where your toddler flings food on the floor, God can use it. Our job is not to make the seeds grow—that’s His job. We are simply called to sow them (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

Ministering to Jesus Himself

Jesus made it clear:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40

When we welcome others to our table—especially the lonely, the overlooked, or the struggling—we are welcoming Christ Himself.

A shared meal becomes a sacred invitation:

• To slow down

• To be seen

• To belong

So let’s make it a point to slow down. Let’s prepare meals for our families. And in time, let’s extend those meals to others around us.

Questions for Reflection

• What is holding you back from inviting someone over for a meal this week?

• If Christ called and said, “I’m coming to your house for dinner tonight,” how would you respond?

• What’s one small step you can take this week to move toward a more open and willing heart to host?