Jesus’ practice of table fellowship and his teaching concerning issues
related to table fellowship contravened the understanding of Israel as a holy,
separated community. In this context,
table-fellowship cannot be described simply as festive celebration and
acceptance, but as a political act of national significance: to advocate
and practice a different form of table fellowship was to protest against the
present structures of Israel. Moreover,
there was more than protest – an alternative program was advocated for the
people of God in their historical existence.[1]
A significant part of the reason Jesus was crucified, is for these kinds of acts. They may look innocent to us, but because they are a part of Jesus' larger mission, they must be seen in relationship to one another.
[1] Borg, Conflict, Holiness and Politics in the Teachings of Jesus,
120-21.
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