“The Jerusalem Dinner,” Friend, Apr. 2023, 4–5.
The Jerusalem Dinner
Gideon looked forward to this tradition every year.
This story took place in the USA.
It was the day before Easter. That meant that tonight Gideon and his family would have their Jerusalem dinner! Gideon looked forward to this tradition every year. He wished they could do it lots of times a year. But Mom said they had to wait until Easter to keep it extra special.
Gideon and Amelia spread a blanket on the floor for everyone to sit on. Then Gideon went to help Mom and Dad with the food. He loved to cook. Getting the food ready was Gideon’s favorite part.
All the foods were things that Jesus might have eaten when He was on earth. Of course, they didn’t know for sure. But it was nice to think about Jesus eating these same foods with His disciples in Jerusalem. That’s why Gideon’s family called it a Jerusalem dinner!
Gideon carried a basket of flatbread and a bowl of dried dates. He set them on the blanket. There was honey to put on the flatbread too. Amelia brought a jar of olives and a dish of dried apricots and almonds. Next came some goat cheese and sliced cucumbers. Then a plate of fish and cups of water. The kids were extra careful carrying the drinks so they didn’t spill.
Everyone sat around the blanket. Mom said a prayer on the food.
“Thank Thee for this time to remember Jesus at Easter,” she prayed.
After prayer, the kids passed the dishes of food to each other. They took some apricots and cucumbers. Gideon kept the baby from tipping over the olives. Everyone ate with their fingers. They talked and laughed.
Gideon spread some goat cheese on his bread. Then he added some honey. It was so tasty!
“What’s your favorite story about Jesus?” Dad asked the kids.
“I love the story of Jesus walking on water!” Sullivan said.
Gideon pointed to the plate of fish. “And I love when He fed everyone. He fed thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread and some fish. That’s my favorite.”
“I love those stories too,” Mom said. “Jesus makes things possible that we could never do on our own.”
“We’ve seen lots of miracles in our lives too,” said Dad.
“Like how we found new friends every time we moved,” Gideon said.
“Yes!” said Mom. “We can see miracles and blessings all around us.”
When dinner was over, they were all full and happy. Gideon helped carry the dishes to the sink. Next year, they would have a Jerusalem dinner again. But he didn’t have to wait until then to think about Jesus. He could do that every day!
Illustration by Tania Rex