Table Life: Savoring the Hospitality of Jesus in Your Home

by Joanne Thompson

Food is God's Good Gift designed to give us greater gifts. In today's culture, we have not stopped enjoying food, but the pressures of hurry and perfectionism have compromised the life God created for us to savor. Looking at Jesus's ''table life,'' we discover how he transformed the tone, meaning, and connection of life at the table. This practical and insightful guide invites readers to discover how Jesus sets us free from the performance pressures so often associated with hospitality and the communion of the table. Table Life is a call to transform the daily routine of eating meals into a celebration of loving connections and spiritual nourishment.

Genres: Nonfiction

151 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sara Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the many exhortations in this book, the importance and urgency of gospel fellowship and intentional evangelism is a constant thread throughout this text. Young families need to be reminded their table is a place of disciple-making and sanctification; empty-nesters of all ages need to be reminded the table is a place of training and mentoring the next generation; and all disciples need to be reminded that to be hospitable is to love a stranger. As Paul reminds the Romans, "Get into the practice of inviting guests home for dinner" (Romans 12:13, NLT). The past blessings, present blessings, as well as the anticipated hope of the heavenly feast bringing perfect fellowship can all be found inside our homes sharing our tables. This book has forever changed my perspective on the eternal significance of my table life.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good, but it could have been so much shorter. Would have been much more useful as a blog post than a 10-chapter book full of fluff.

[Robert Terrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

So here's the thing. I am glad I read this book, I thought Joanne Thompson made some really good points that I will use in my life, BUT (and as you'll notice it is a big but) I didn't enjoy reading the book. I don't think it was written very well and I think she forced scripture to mean things that weren't necessarily in the text that she was quoting from. If I could give the book 2 1/2 stars I would feel better about it. It was worth finishing once I started it and it lead to some great discussion with the group with which I was reading the book. It just isn't a great or particularly good book.

There are much better books on hospitality out there.

[Jill Rust · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good and helped me in deepening my understanding of Christian hospitality. I do feel like there was a fair amount of "fluff" in the language and stories but I would definitely still suggest it to someone interested in this subject.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

unique perspectives on serving others with hospitality.

[Katy Sammons · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gift from a friend. Inspiring and encouraging.