Feature
2 June 2025

I am not a great cook, but I can put a decent meal on the table. While I will not drive out for miles for the best durian, Hokkien mee or nasi biryani, I will spend time eating with friends. Indeed, since eating and food is so central in our everyday lives, it is helpful to reflect theologically about them. Such reflection will give us a deeper understanding of what food is about, and a greater appreciation to God our Heavenly Father who feeds the birds of the air who neither sow nor reap nor store away in barns (Matt. 6:26).

After all, we look forward to the fullness of the Kingdom of God which will be a feast of rich food for all people, a banquet of aged wine, the best of meats and the finest of wines (Isa. 25:6). Yes, we look forward to the time and space when we are together with the Lord, worshipping together with a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language (Rev. 7:9), which will also be the wedding feast of the Son and the bride, the Church (see Rev. 19:9). Such a mystery we cannot comprehend, but the feasting we can.

Food

God created us to eat regularly; we do not store up food in us. He also created the conditions in this world—seed bearing plants and the whole ecosystem which provides food for all creation to eat. Most of the stuff that grows from the ground still needs to be processed for human consumption—rice grains have to be cooked, as do most vegetables. Animals, which are also available for food, have to be slaughtered and cooked. But the Lord provides it all. That is one reason we give thanks for each meal, because we know that there are hands that prepare the food, and there is the ultimate Hand of God who not only provides it all but makes the conditions amenable for that growth to take place.

The rich variety of food reflects the breadth of human culture, which is part of creation. Many Singaporeans are comfortable eating different types of food. After all, living at the crossroads of the world, we have access to all kinds of food, both at hawker centres as well as high-end Michelin-starred restaurants.

But sin has affected the world and food production: Climate change means that the cycles of dry and wet weather is now often out of whack and fruit and grains do not ripen as they should. Harvests get easily wiped out as they did in August 2023, when floods in northern China destroyed the corn and rice crops, sparking concerns about rising food prices. The food we eat is also closely tied to our health. When we can eat well and healthily, we can live well. But there is also disordered eating, such as gluttony and eating too much, and bulimia and anorexia. Worldwide, issues such as food insecurity, poor childhood nutrition and rising food prices means that many people do not eat well. These are global concerns which we Christians should be aware of.

Eating Together and Hospitality

We usually eat with others, though sometimes we may grab a quick bite or eat at our desks if we have pressing deadlines. Eating together can be a way of showing gracious hospitality.

Christian hospitality is a rich tradition and goes back to the understanding of welcoming and providing for others (cf. Gen. 18:1-8). When we appreciate the cultural and theological significance and meaning of eating together, Christian hospitality can be a powerful witness. Hospitality, whether a simple or elaborate meal, means providing for everyone who is present—children, as well as those with dietary restrictions and food preferences. Hospitality is “making room” for others, the title of a seminal work by Christine Pohl on the subject. Thus, we welcome others into our spaces, making them feel at home with us. These acts can be attractive to those who do not know this God who welcomes all into his kingdom.

In the gospels, Jesus is often eating with others—with friends like Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-39) or with Pharisees who were trying to prove something or to trap him (see Luke 14:1-6). On these occasions he was the guest, though an honoured one who carries the conversation. Jesus was sometimes the host at meals—in the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:12-17) he asked his disciples to organise the crowd, blessed the simple offerings of bread and fish, and so amply provided for the crowd that there were twelve basketfuls of leftovers. With Cleopas and his companion at Emmaus, Jesus was the invited guest who became the host when he broke the bread for them (Luke 24:29-31).

The Lord’s Supper

It is in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, a meal, that we remember Jesus’ life, death, and coming again: “Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take and eat, this is my body.’ Then he took a cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from this all of you. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt. 26:26–28). The Lord’s Supper is so full and rich in meaning and symbolism, all encompassed in the liturgy and the simple elements of bread and wine.

Therefore, food and eating together are not merely things we do to survive, but are habits and practices which can lead us to know and understand God deeply and be drawn closer to others. We worship a God who is interested in food and eating together. And so, as I prepare meals, I follow the Shepherd who “prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps. 23:5) and look forward to the time when “The Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples” (Isa. 25:6).

Kwa Kiem-Kiok is Assoc Professor at Singapore Bible College where she teaches in the area of intercultural studies. Apart from eating and preparing food, she also enjoys walking in the outdoors.